The challenge was to design a one-level house on a sloping lot. Gentle rising half flight stairs welcome the homeowners. A butterfly roof provides drama and light to the main area, while minimizing the scale of structure at the street.

Energy performance and comfort were a priority, so VELOCIPEDE utilized an energy simulation to determine the thickness of insulation and specs for the triple glazed windows. Building assemblies and details are designed to be free of thermal bridges. Heat pumps will feed the radiant floor tubing and heat the hot water. A heat recovery ventilator will filter the indoor air. An 11 kW solar electricity array and an electric car charger are sized to meet the owners’ target for net positive energy.