Our most ambitious Umbrella House to date. This project took our green design efforts another step forward by employing a variety of energy saving technologies including high performance windows, super-insulation, heat recovery ventilation and geothermal heat exchange.

The heating and cooling for this home is provided by a geothermal heat pump that uses the earth as its heat exchanger - every watt of energy used to run the heat pump extracts three watts of heat energy from the earth.

Like all Umbrella houses, the focus of the design effort is adapting the house to its environment & climate. Project features include:

Oversized operable windows to capture natural light & provide natural ventilation.

Generous overhangs & integrally colored cement board rainscreen siding create a durable, low maintenance exterior shell.

A six panel fold slide door that opens to remove the center wall of the main floor & connect the interiors to the deck & the backyard.
A glass canopy over the deck protects the door & extends the outdoor living season.

A green roof over the garage to improve stormwater retention & reduce impervious surfaces.