WA Design’s Solar-Powered Stinson Beach House Achieves Net-Zero Energy

Architecture studio <a href="http://wadesign.com/" target="_blank">WA Design</a> incorporated <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/sustainable-materials/" target="_blank">sustainable materials</a> into this spectacular residence in Marin County. Situated on a small infill site in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinson_Beach,_California" target="_blank">Stinson Beach</a>, California, the house is an eclectic mix of modern concepts and recycled elements, topped with ceiling decking that is milled from wood <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/salvaged-materials/" target="_blank">salvaged</a> from the former Stanford University gym. The sunny site is perfect for the use of solar photovoltaic panels, which enables the house to achieve net-zero energy status.

The designers kept a focus on green objectives.

Their design uses open-cell foam insulation, natural ventilation, and concrete floors.

The key idea was to create a south-sloping roof from which to access solar energy.

The shell of the house is constructed from corrugated Galvalume metal and cement board siding.

Nestled on a rural border area overlooking the Pacific, the site looks like a stunning find, one which the designers say they searched for for years.

Developing a plan to fit within the zoning regulations, and budget, can't have been easy.