Williams-York Residence, DRAW Architecture, kansas, solar home, net zero home, green home, leed platinum

The original home was determined to have a compromised foundation, so it was decided a renovation would not achieve the desired results. To minimize the impact of of tearing down the home, the homeowners deconstructed the home and carefully sorted materials for reuse, recycling or the landfill if nothing could be done. This process resulted in 82% of the materials being used or recycled instead of ending up in the landfill. After the deconstruction, an arborist was consulted to create a tree protection plan to avoid removing trees and the new home design was based on this plan as a way to maintain shade and the mature growth already on site.

DRAW architecture + urban design task was to design and build a net zero home, which first involved orienting the house to take in sun and light, but not to overheat it. Careful window and shade placement allow the home to soak up heat in the winter and reflect it in the summer. Energy-efficient windows with an R6 rating open up the interior to a create a sunny, light filled space. Heating and cooling is provided with an energy efficient geothermal heat pump system that is 50% more efficient than a normal home. A solarium off the south side provides additional living space and the 4 kW solar photovoltaic system lives on this roof to provide the remaining energy needed for the home.

+ DRAW architecture + urban design

Via Archinect

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