The objective was to create a home with the highest possible
performance in environmental and economic measure. Specifically, it was
designed to be buildable at an appraisable value, even in the modern housing
and lending climate, while having as little maintenance and utility costs as
possible. The approach was to design an envelope-centric building that
could easily weave itself into an established neighborhood. This
allowed for the home to reach Passiv Haus standards for energy efficiency and take
advantage of distressed properties in the wake of the great recession.
Finishes were selected for affordability and durability, featuring dark stained
pine, steel, concrete and gypsum. Walls, stairs and the upper floor are
urethaned construction grade plywood and cabinets are prefabricated, high gloss
white. Spaces are integrated to make the compact plan spacious. On
the main level, a single space encompasses all public living functions.
On the upper level, a single circulation path loops around a centralized,
compartmentalized bathroom with bedrooms radiating out. Windows are
placed to embrace the possibility of inhabiting side yard integrated with back
yard. The home is currently in development with a client in Saint Paul,
Minnesota and available to the public as an integrated delivery
service-product.