Net-Zero Yin Yang House Soaks up the Sun’s Rays in Venice Beach, California

The net-zero Yin Yang House by <a href="http://www.pugh-scarpa.com/projects/ying.yang" target="_blank">Brooks + Scarpa</a> is a private residence for a growing family in Venice, California. The home features a flowing series of terraces and courtyards, which place a strong focus on public, shared outdoor space to take advantage of the SoCal climate. The home is built with eco-friendly and recycled materials, and it's also powered by a 12 kW rooftop solar system that does double duty as a shade screen. Since the family moved into the home in 2011, they have yet to receive a power bill.

The net-zero Yin Yang House was created by <a href="http://www.pugh-scarpa.com/projects/ying.yang" target="_blank">Brooks + Scarpa</a> for a growing family who wanted a calm, relaxed and organized environment that emphasizes family space.

The private bedrooms are kept small on purpose to emphasize the public rooms and encourage the family to be together.

The back courtyard is a wide-open space for a variety of activities.

The back of the house almost seems like a one story volume until you see someone walk down the stairs and realize how very tall it is.

The upstairs walkway leads to the bedrooms and a green roof.

The street front is very private and walled off, but upon entering through the steel door, guests enter an open and natural space.

Multiple outdoor courtyards provide a variety of spaces to sit, relax, socialize or play.

The home is organized on two levels - the public and shared rooms are on the ground floor, while the private bedrooms are up top with access to the green roof, which doubles as a small lawn.

A large, open layout kitchen/dining/living room enjoys a sliding glass wall that opens to the courtyard to expand the living space outdoors.

Eco-friendly materials like bamboo, composite stone, and recycled tile counter tops and bathroom finishes are part of the home's environmental strategies.

A 12 kW rooftop solar system doubles as a sun shade above the outdoor walkway upstairs and provides enough energy for the home.

Blown-in cellulose insulation and radiant floor heating contribute to an energy-efficient climate control system.

The home was completed in 2011 and has yet to generate a power bill.