Architecture Firm:
ZDS Architects, Inc.
Completion Date:
Estimated June 2008
Project Format (not yet built / built):
Not Yet Build (Under construction)
Project Size (sf / site acreage):
House Footprint including garage: 3,326 SF, Lot Size 17,535 SF
Project Location:
Palm Springs, CA
Budget ($/sq Ft, optional):
-
Interior Designer:
Henderson | Kelly
General Contractor:
Hochanadel, Inc.
Landscape Designer:
Bennett Puterbaugh, Inc.
Lighting Consultant:
N/A
Structural Engineer:
ABKJ Engineers
Mechanical Engineer:
Ecotope
Electrical Engineer:
Blauvelt Electrical
Commissioning Agent:
Kevin Rasmussen, So Cal HERS rater
Air Quality Consultant:
N/A
Civil Engineer:
John Sandborn, Sandborn A&E
Other:
LEED-H Project Provider: Davis Energy Group ; Solar Panel Consultant: SEE Solar
Owner:
Grace (Missy) Ross
Sustainable Sites:
As part of the USGBC LEED for Homes Pilot Program (now a full LEED-H category) this home is designed with many sustainable features in mind. At least 40% of the lot area is left undisturbed during construction, and a tree/plant preservation plan is being implemented. The landscaping is designed to minimize turf, and drought tolerant plants native to the desert are use throughout. The home is directly adjacent to open space, and is also within a ¼ mile of a wide array of community recourses including; bus stops, banks, retail shopping, a grocery store and a post office. The site is also within a ½ mile of existing water and sewer lines, reducing environmental impacts of infrastructure extension.
Toward Zero Energy:
Because the site is in a desert climate, minimizing energy use is critical in creating an earth-friendly, cost-effective home. The abundant sunshine in the desert allows the South facing roof to be fitted with solar panels that generate 35% of the annual electrical needs. Windows on the west façade are minimized while the home opens up to the south mountain views and daylight. The home is also designed to perform 34.5% better than Title-24, the very stringent California Energy Code. The home will be an Energy Star Labeled Home with 3rd Party testing. Some design features that contribute to the energy efficiency are as follows: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) with an R-Value of 28 for the walls and R-30 for the roof, a tankless waterheater, Energy Star Rated Appliances, Energy Star lighting package, deep overhangs to provide shade, a very energy efficient pool & spa, and a very efficient drip irrigation system. This home is also designed to include strategically placed thermal mass walls and a thermal mass floor throughout to absorb excessive heat. This absorbed heat cools the air during the warm days, and then releases this energy to warm the air during the cool desert nights. This minimizes the overall temperature gradient between the extreme temperatures, therefore reducing the need for mechanical temperature control.
Local and Sustainable Materials:
The SIPs used for the walls and roof not only reduce framing waste and provide high R-values, but are also manufactured in Phoenix, AZ, less than 300 miles from the site. Fly Ash is used in the concrete floors and foundations. Eco Shake Roofing is made from 100% recycled materials, and the Ice Stone counter tops contain 100% recycled glass aggregate. All plywood used for the millwork is FSC certified, and the cabinet substrate is wheatboard. Low VOC paints are used in the interiors and “Healthy Choice” carpet pad is used where there is carpet, such as in the bedrooms. Non paper faced backer board is used in all wet areas. Local desert stone is used to clad various Interior & Exterior Walls. Such materials not only contribute to the sustainability of the home, but also helps integrate the home into its natural setting.
Sustainable Water:
Some features that minimize water consumption are as follows: Dual flush toilets used throughout, low flow shower heads and faucets, drip irrigation system only where needed, minimization of turf, Energy Star Washing Machine, and a Tankless Waterheater.
IEQ and Comfort:
The home is designed to Meet ASRAE Standard 62.2. Timers and Automatic Controls are part of all bathroom exhaust fans; Thermally Massive Walls and Floors absorb heat during the day, and release it into spaces in the evening. Deep overhangs shade the glazing, while an exterior trellis shades part of the rear yard. Third Party testing will be conducted for all exhaust air flow out of the home. All HVAC duct sizing was designed to meet ACCA Manual D.
Collective Wisdom and Feedback:
As part of the USGBC LEED for Homes Pilot Program there has been a learning curve for the project team and client. Davis Energy Group, the project LEED-H Provider in Davis CA, was a great help in educating the Seattle based design team and client about the more stringent requirements of the California Energy Code. Davis Energy Group also offered training and assistance to the General Contractor, who will also apply this pioneering information and technology to future projects. Collectively, the design/build team in collaboration with our client, hope to incorporate all that we’ve learned and spread the word wherever possible.
Regional/Community Design:
The home is part of the unique community of Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, CA. The ranch has a long history of regional design and desert lifestyle that dates back to the 1930s. Along with private residences, Smoke Tree also has guest cottages, dining facilities, and meeting areas. The overall character of the home is that of a “Modern Ranch”; rooted in the ranch aesthetic of Smoke Tree, but with a nod to the fantastic modernist character that Palm Springs is famous for. Sustainable design is the thread that weaves the history, site, wishes of the owner and design team together into this LEED certified Modern Ranch home.
