Program
The Caltech client wanted a sustainable house in every possible way and to locate the house close to the high water line of the lake. He wanted to maintain the site in its natural state and design around the mature trees and existing blackberry bushes.

Budget
The final Construction cost was $1,050,000 after increasing the scope to include a 1,100 square foot insulated concrete form (ICF) basement.

Challenges
Many of the challenges for this project came from preserving the surrounding environment. It was a requirement to protect and maintain the mature trees, blackberries and native vegetation. We faced a site drainage problem. We had to create a site drainage swale to direct water to the lake which was a challenge; the region is very wet with a high water table. There were noise abatement restrictions to protect the nesting eagles. Rainy conditions slowed up the construction process. The design was overwhelming for the local builders whom we tutored.

Solution
The house was located on the lake high water line with a natural meadow in front. The flood plain stretches across the site so every room (except the laundry room) has a “glass wall” view of the lake with extended spaces. The motor court and garage screen the only neighboring house on the north side. The entry and great room then have a completely private entry through a berry patch. The plan is a great room concept with daylighting throughout.

An architectural geometry of parapet walled boxes clad with cement rain screen panels and pitched roof shapes with W.R.C. walls and large window and door systems provide transparency and views on the lake side and privacy from the approach side. Large pitched overhangs protect major windows and entries from the weather.

Major materials used were: exposed Douglas fir rafters, posts and beams, metal windows, cedar and D.F. ceilings and siding, bamboo and concrete flooring, some drywall, 4” CMU units for transitional walls, poured in place concrete walls, stainless steel architectural panels and door, and hardwoods sourced from the state for casework.

More than fifty sustainable processes and materials were utilized in this design such as: Ground-source heat pump for radiant flooring, 5.25 kW solar array, a breathable envelope insulated 50% above code, soy spray insulation, cast iron pipe plumbing, FSC certified bamboo flooring and wood, recycled gypsum walls, formaldehyde free plywood, reclaimed fly ash fiber cement siding ,  ICF basement construction, reflective metal roof, High CRI LED lights, Natural east/west day lighting, local materials, dual flush toilets, a permeable driveway, and a 2700 gallon potable rainwater system.

The design is visually stimulating, complex and explorative. The house radiates with a warm inviting environment that is casual but sophisticated.