This new residence, currently under construction, was designed for a family of six wanting a vacation home with enhanced energy efficiency and maximum flexibility for their current and future needs. Emphasis was placed on communal spaces versus private spaces.
The site is a ¾ acre shoreline lot close to English Camp, with stunning views to the west of D’Arcy and Vancouver Islands. The owners wanted a home that would work now for their family, as well as in the future, when they become empty nesters. Toward that end, a 2,100 square foot, 3-bedroom house was designed along with a 1,500 square foot garage with bunk room above. The bunk room serves as a family gathering space for watching movies, as well as quarters for four guests. In addition to a large living area, it includes built-in bunk beds, kitchenette and full bathroom.
Inside the residence, a 2-story Great Room with views of the water provides generous communal space, while three modestly-sized bedrooms feature built-in cabinetry to maximize space. A open-riser steel-and-timber tread stair connects the two levels.
The Great Room features a generous kitchen with custom-stained cabinetry and quartz countertops. A three-sided fireplace is visible from the kitchen, dining and living areas. Above, a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling provides the warm, cozy feel of a beach cabin.
On the second level, two bedrooms share a large bathroom, directly accessible from each room. At the top of the stair, a built-in reading nook provides an additional twin bed for guests.
On the exterior, materials were selected for their beauty, sustainability and long-term wear. Siding includes ‘shou sugi ban’ charred cedar lap siding and corrugated metal panels both of which provide a maintenance-free, fireproof exterior. A standing seam metal roof was chosen for its long life and to provide a foundation for future photovoltaic panels. Windows were selected for their durable fiberglass exteriors and low U-values (0.23).
The high-performance building envelope includes a rain screen, rock wool exterior insulation and blow-in batt insulation between the studs, for an overall wall R-rating of R-31. The roof is framed with 14” engineered rafters, for a rating of R-58. Additional energy-saving features include: enhanced air sealing, heat recovery ventilation, electric heat pump hot water heater, heat pump clothes dryer, ductless mini-split heat pump in the bunk room, Energy Star appliances, an electric car charging station in the garage and LED lighting throughout.
Located on San Juan Island, WA this Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) is the first on the island to be certified by the US Department of Energy as having a net zero carbon footprint.
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