Sun, Views and Orientation –
The sun was a critical part of the design response, both in providing warmth, in the cooler winter days, and influencing form/orientation in response to the strong summer sun. All primary spaces have mountain views.  In response to the sun and views the house is orientated 12.5 degrees off the N-S axis. This orientation captures the expansive mountain views, including key granite outcroppings to the southwest.

Program/Design Solution –
The modest 1,600 SF, primarily seasonal “easy living“ residence, was created for a Wisconsin couple who enjoy outdoor activities, gardening, cooking, architecture, and entertaining. The home is designed to be highly energy efficient, with low maintenance.

The entry sequence provides for a secure gated auto court, adjacent to the 2-car garage, and gateway to the shaded pedestrian walkway/perforated steel pergola leading to the front door.

Primary public zone/ “great room”, extends in two directions (south and west) to outdoor patios. The height of the linear entry pergola continues through the entire house to the owner suite, resulting in an interior soffit that contains mechanical ducting and indirect soffit lighting. The northern portion of the plan houses the semi-private office/guest room with adjacent ¾ bath, and the private zone including the owner’s bedroom, closet/laundry and bath.

The primary outdoor areas include the west terrace, with night lit boulders amid flowering desertscape, and a fire pit/conversation bench/raised herb garden. The dining courtyard also functions as an outdoor bar zone for entertaining, video projection on the north wall of the garage; an electric shade covers the courtyard.

Budget/Cost – Modest project cost was maintained utilizing limited palette of materials.

Materials were selected for their low maintenance, durability, cost efficiency, utilizing standard building trades. The simple palette consists of concrete, stucco, metals (aluminum and steel), and energy efficient glass.  Interior walls are sheetrock with a recessed aluminum reveal at base. Full height tile walls are located in the wet zones.

Sustainability includes the following energy efficient elements.
- In-floor electric heat system under polished concrete floors.
- Insulated/sealed walls, ceilings and perimeter foundations with insulated foam roof system.
- Deep roof extensions designed for the West and South walls.
- Energy efficient glass and curtain wall systems.
- Integrated electric shades at all openings for sun, privacy, and off-season security.
- Solar panels placed on the non- visible northern portion of the home. The panels generate surplus energy for the in-floor heat, air conditioning, the plug in for the hybrid car, and general house needs. After several years of occupancy, the home has exceeded the client's net-zero goals and has produced more electricity than it uses.