LEED Silver rating and are participation with the Build for America program to accurately monitor the systems performance. The house has a geothermal mechanical system that is linked to the water heating system. In hot weather we have the ability to pull cool air from the courtyard, thru the stair well and out the roof. The roof is designed for a future planted system and is prewired for a photovoltaic array. The landscape materials were selected for each particular zone of the property and for their drought tolerance. The entry courtyard allows for a controlled transition from the public street, capturing the sound of the pool fountain at the entry. The living level is focused on the exterior pool/koi courtyard and opens onto the large deck fashioned after the Japanese engawa. The 2nd level studio was designed to benefit from the constant north light allowing us to work with even natural lighting throughout the day.