ZEB (zero emission Building) House

Collaboration w/ Anson Morris + Haley Davis

Mentors: Tine Higel, Snohetta.  Tom Collins, University of Oregon

This project received the First Place award in the AGAJ Home Design Contest. See link for more information: http://www.agajphoto.com/contest

Combining Zero Emission Building (ZEB) standards with Pacific Northwest lifestyles, the ASH House is designed as a passive home for the active and growing family. Located in the beautiful rolling hills of Eugene, OR, the home provides a deliberately designed and planned stage for the everyday drama of a young family's life. The goal of the house is to find efficiency in both construction and space by focusing on the overlap of interior and exterior spaces.

The form is found by separating the private and public spaces into two volumes which are splayed to provide panoramic views and privacy where needed. The main entrance is located in the tendon which connects the two volumes. The approach provides a glimpse of the views to be had from inside the house. A protective canopy guides you into the exterior entry space where a sheltered coat room provides ample storage for rain gear and hobby equipment. The public volume is an open entertaining space with expansive views of the Laurel Hill Valley. Glass wall panels open to bring the outdoors in and expand both the interior and exterior living spaces. A lofted space provides an at home office and guest room which looks out into the double height living space.

A rumpus room divides the private volume and provides multiple layers of space for the kids to play when Oregon rains are keeping them inside. A climbing wall accesses a net which spans most of the room. The kids rooms are joined and amplified by hidden spaces accessed by built in ladders. A large master bath and extended hallway insulate the master suite from the activity in the rest of the house where a double height space and expansive glazing provide a serene getaway from hectic lives.

In order to reach ZEB standards the building needed to be highly insulated and constructed from local sustainably harvested or reclaimed materials. The home is clad in reclaimed metal barn paneling and wood boards which are charred in order to increase lifespan and decrease maintenance. Reclaimed timber and a secondary stud wall provide structure and 12” deep walls for extremely high insulation values. Passive shading and ventilation systems are used throughout the house to decrease cooling load while maintaining a high level of glazing. In order to offset carbon emissions caused by the production and transportation of materials, solar water heaters and a photovoltaic solar array producing 12,315 kWh/year is utilized.