This 4,000 sf residence was designed to capture the panoramic views from its 10 acre foothill site and be a model of sustainable design. The house is elongated on the east-west axis and provides direct or indirect solar access to all living spaces. The central hallway/spine incorporates clerestory windows and a masonry wall that collects and stores the solar heat. The entry to the house is through a sunspace/garden room that creates a thermal transition from outside to inside. A single room was placed upstairs – the view room – in order to capture the full panorama of this special site. The Olsen Residence was published in Su Casa magazine in the spring 2007 issue.
Environmental Strategies
- Net zero annual energy cost
- Innovative integrated solar system
- Solar electric + solar thermal heating
- 5 kW photovoltaic system (grid tied)
- 9 panel solar thermal system
- Underground “cool tube”
- Cross and stack ventilation
- Energy efficient construction
- High internal mass construction
- Water harvested in 10,000 gallon cistern
- Native landscaping
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