THE VALUES exemplified in this home reflect the mindful clients who commissioned the design. Environmental sensitivity was a guiding principle in the project; everyone enjoyed a collaborative approach to materials research, resulting in sustainable, resilient, and low-impact choices throughout the home—the contemporary stylings of the home pair well with the forward-looking building materials selected for construction. The exterior is clad in pre-finished cedar shingles trimmed with an innovative poly-ash composite of 70% recycled material. In contrast, the exterior porch surfaces are sustainable, fast-growing, long-lasting, naturally rot-resistant black locust decking. Interior flooring is solid eucalyptus, a rapidly renewable, LEED-certified product. An innovative fireplace solution is completely electronic, provides a realistic flame but burns no fossil fuels, and runs only on water and electricity, aiding the goal of zero fossil fuel consumption on-site.

The site and landscape design were meticulously planned to minimize environmental impact by situating the home largely in the footprint of the old structure, protecting and preserving as many mature trees as possible. Enhanced stormwater management practices were implemented to absorb rainwater and prevent runoff. Hardy, resilient plants, many native, were chosen to be low-maintenance and irrigation-independent.