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Project posted by BLUE TRUCK STUDIO

Adobe: A Net Zero Home

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Mindful of wildfires, a pool evacuation zone is part of the design.
Mindful of wildfires, a pool evacuation zone is part of the design.
East View: The street side is screened for discretion but the living spaces flow out to the deck and studio tower, immersing them in the native landscape.
East View: The street side is screened for discretion but the living spaces flow out to the deck and studio tower, immersing them in the native landscape.
North View: The building’s narrow shape allows natural light and ventilation to penetrate into the home. With the ability to cool itself, the home doesn’t need air conditioning.
North View: The building’s narrow shape allows natural light and ventilation to penetrate into the home. With the ability to cool itself, the home doesn’t need air conditioning.
West View: The details of the home pay homage to Japanese architecture, reflecting the bi-cultural identity of the young family, who are American and Japanese. In addition to shou sugi ban siding, the house incorporates a genkan (a traditional Japanese entry area), a soaking tub, and a door that swings outward, as is the Japanese custom.
West View: The details of the home pay homage to Japanese architecture, reflecting the bi-cultural identity of the young family, who are American and Japanese. In addition to shou sugi ban siding, the house incorporates a genkan (a traditional Japanese entry area), a soaking tub, and a door that swings outward, as is the Japanese custom.
Because the home sits at the intersection of outer suburbia and wooded areas, fire safety measures were also key to the design. These include defensible space through landscaping design, non-combustible materials like a metal roof, sprinklers, and a pool evacuation zone.
Because the home sits at the intersection of outer suburbia and wooded areas, fire safety measures were also key to the design. These include defensible space through landscaping design, non-combustible materials like a metal roof, sprinklers, and a pool evacuation zone.
Lower Level
Lower Level
Upper Level
Upper Level

Credits

From BLUE TRUCK STUDIO

A vision for a new family home in Orinda, CA, this home aspires to be completely net zero and fire resistant. The form of the building is a simple cantilever, but its technology is at the forefront of modern engineering and environmental response. Designed to be super insulated, this home would generate its own power, heating, and cooling. Energy conservation technology includes solar panels, a heat pump exchange that provides both cooling and heating through radiant flooring, and thermal mass for passive cooling. Deep overhangs shade the home from unpleasant direct sun while the building's narrow shape allows natural light and ventilation in.

Sited to capture the valley views and Mount Diablo in the distance, the home is designed for both privacy and expansiveness. The living spaces flow out to the pool deck and studio tower, immersing it in its natural surroundings.