Faulkner Architects: Energy efficient house for a couple

The Energy efficient house is designed in such a way that operating costs are reduced by 44.9%

Faulkner Architects, led by Greg Faulkner, designed a stunning residence in Orinda, California. The zero-energy villa was created for a couple who are committed to sustainable design and their two young sons. The project was initially conceived as a simple ranch renovation, located in a warm and beautiful location under the canopy of magnificent old oak trees.

These big trees seemed to provide us with shelter even before we built anything – They became part of the house

The project quickly evolved from a renovation to a new build. The old house was deemed unsuitable. The only remaining element of the original 1954 structure was the concrete fireplace, which served as the starting point for the project.

In the main living area, a 3.6 metre wide glass wall opens up to views of the garden. “This connection between the interior and exterior is the main feature of the living space; the wall is designed to visually connect what’s inside with what’s outside,” says Greg Faulkner

The architects planned a double-height space with three bedrooms, suitable for a large family. In the main living area, a 3.6-metre-wide glass wall opens up to the garden. “This connection between the interior and exterior is the main feature of the project.”

The family wanted an open plan that would directly connect with the landscape.

The exterior of the structure is clad in corten steel and the interior in untreated timber. The shotcrete foundation allowed the timber frame to be repurposed, while the remaining materials reduced detailing complexity and labor costs. High levels of insulation and efficient glazing reduce heating and cooling loads. An 8.1 kW photovoltaic system powers the home entirely on renewable energy. Rainwater is collected via a rooftop tank and reused to irrigate the plants. “They wanted to build a home that was environmentally conscious, energy-efficient, and had a distinctive design,” says Greg Faulkner.

White plaster walls are combined with basalt tiles and corten steel accents. Below: White oak planks are used for the walls, ceilings and floors, laid out in a very specific way. Right: “The rhythm of the interior planks was conceived as a representation of the growth of trees.”