Sited beautifully between massive deciduous trees, this residence takes full advantage of the site potential. Solar heat gain in winter is maximized through the extensive south-facing glazing, while nature’s trees provide shading in the warmer months. Solar gain is further controlled by ‘tuning’ the glazing to the orientation, increasing the intake on the south and rejecting late-afternoon summer sun on the west facades. Highly insulating soy foam seals walls and ceilings, keeping the internal temperature stable, while a solar thermal array feeds heat to high-mass radiant floors. The roof hosts an 8 kW photovoltaic array which is grid-tied for maximum efficiency.

Interior details include a gently curved, floating stairway, a moss-rock shower screen embedded in the basement slab, and exposed wood beams at the third floor. Kitchen cabinets are made of lyptus, a sustainably harvested hardwood, with cork panels. Lyptus floors alternate with stained concrete at the basement and recycled carpet upstairs. Curved, brightly-painted walls soften the angles of the original modernist floor plan. Dimmable low-voltage lighting makes the house literally glow at night.