Lakeside Net Zero Passive House

Situated on a lakefront in SW Michigan, the Lakeside Net Zero Passive House offers a harmonious balance between efficiency and spiritual flow. A humanitarian and activist, the owner of the property found herself frustrated with the lack of opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of her 1950s ranch home. Instead, when the lot next door became available, she sought a complete renewal – creating a space that matched her design and environmental efficiency goals, modeling a better way to build for her community.

Designed by architect and Phius Certified Consultant Mark Miller and constructed by builder Paul Abueva, the Lakeside Net Zero Passive House boasts a unique, round design. Intended to bring forward a connection to the spiritual, the shape creates a focus on contemplation and transformation. Designed as a circle with offset halves, there is a flow of energy coming and going throughout the house, complete with strategically positioned doors to welcome the nearby lake breeze. Curving stairs ascend the middle of the project, allowing guests to feel as though they are climbing into the treetops, with beautiful views of the lake.

Lakeside Net Zero is not only intentionally designed for the owner, but for the environment as well. Using Phius’ passive building principles, this project was optimized for Michigan’s “snow belt” climate, using features that aim to significantly reduce the energy needs of the home. Miller, a Phius Certified Builder, incorporated strategies including a super-insulated double stud wall envelope, advanced windows, air-tight sealing, a healthy fresh air CERV system, and a solar array to minimize the energy demand on the environment. The home is designed with “Aging-In-Place” strategies. It operates sustainably and pollution-free, completely by the clean power of the sun.

Photography: Scott Shigley Photography