Garden House

Location: Durham, NC

Square footage: 6,600 (heated), 3,000 (exterior)

This energy-efficient addition/renovation to an existing home was designed to fit in among beautiful, well-established gardens, accommodate large parties inside and outside, and provide cozy spaces for small groups. Significant challenges included reusing some of the existing foundation and designing the additions to tie in with the existing portions of the home. A south-facing trellis blocks the hot summer sun, allows solar penetration in the winter, and creates a special outdoor room. Views and access to garden paths were essential components of the overall design.

Significant green features

• Geothermal heating and cooling
• Ventless attic
• Sealed crawl space
• Solar hot water
• Sun-shading devices
• Reclaimed-wood floors
• Sustainably harvested wood
• Low VOC materials
• Home management system for efficient lighting and HVAC control
• Fresh air ventilation and energy recovery system
• Spray-foam insulation