World Architecture Festival - Finalist | American Institute of Architects - Georgia Chapter - Merit Award >> | American Institute of Architects -  Atlanta Chapter - Merit Award

Site  |  Heavily wooded, steeply sloped, 54 acre wooded lot on Highland Gap Road in North Carolina. A small creek cuts though the northern edge of the site and flows to the Middle Creek, less than 1/2 mile away.
Clients  |  Retirement age couple, downsizing
Programmatic Strategy  |  Eccentrically zoned, compact vertical
Formal Strategy  |  The overall form of the house is predicated on three factors:
- Eccentric pallete of center points based on placement of tree trunks
- Maximum solar gain derived from a carefully calibrated solar geometry
- Air flow capture and connection to the geologic and environmental qualities of the site
Hot Side/Cool Side  |  The upper windward side of the house faces uphill and directly south. An array of framed solar louvers wrap the so called “hot” side of the house, generating enough electricity on average daily basis to light the house. The stair serves as a vertical ventilation shaft, using the hot side of the house to magnify thermal movement on warm days during the swing season. 
The lower windward side of the house faces a small creek with the view extending towards a river basin. With predictable sir current in the mountains, the orientation captures cool air traveling up the hill. Windows serve as soft articulated apertures to emphasize air flow across smooth ceilings.
Energy Kit  |  Ultra efficient energy generating kit with positive energy generation over a 12 month cycle. PV: Monocrystalline silicon panels, moderately ventilated, south orientation and inclination of 45º on southern wall. 0,12 ~0,18 Kpk KW/m2 with a minimum package density of 80%
Cooling system  |   Multisplit system with COP = 2.9
Heating system  |   Heat pump + radiant floors, estimated conservatively at COP = 1. Mechanical supply and exhaust of air @ 0.35 ACH. Heat exchange plates and/or pipes. 20% exhaust air recirculation. Tight envelope @ 0.4 ACH
Sensor controlled lighting  |  Lighting intensity = 5 W/m2. Evacuated tube solar collectors with direct ow system (hot water) 30 m2, facing south @ 30º inclination on roof
Water Conservation  |  Two 1000 gallon cisterns located at east and west side of house
Energy Calculations  |  Ultra efficient system with 80-95% energy generation balance over a 12 month cycle.
Structure  |  CIP reinforced concrete with tube steel bracing at pressurized wall system
Wind Veil  |  3/8” diameter stainless steel beads on the cool side
Envelope  |  Interchangeable pressurized panel system Aluminum Clad SIP, Reyaears Doors and Windows, Hydrotech Roof system