Operable windows encourage breezes in the spring and fall.

The architects snatched up an abandoned lot, which for some time had served as a garbage dump. Then they began work to transform the lot into their home and office space with a heavy focus on simple, cost effective and sustainable design solutions. The exterior of the home is clad in Galvalume metal siding and concrete fiberboard siding that includes recycled content. Materials were sourced from within 500 miles when possible and all the windows were produced locally.

A lot with a good southern orientation allowed the couple to align the home to take advantage of passive solar design. Lots of south facing windows take in the heat during the winter, but large overhangs on the south and west facades protect it from the high summer sun. Shading is also aided by a large 75 year old, 60 foot tall red oak tree, which the home was designed around.