When the Baboolals looked around their North Carolina community, they saw what many people see in their local areas: cookie-cutter houses that consume excess energy. A desire to break free from this mold is how their journey to create a net-zero house began.
Working with architect Arielle Condoret Schechter, the Baboolals outlined a few essentials for the home. First, the net-zero home needed to be well-insulated, air-tight and energy-efficient. To reach a net-zero energy bill, the home needed a system to produce as much energy as it consumes. Achieving these net-zero goals meant creating a house with an air-tight building envelope to prevent energy loss. Additionally, a photovoltaic array on the roof generates solar power and is covered with a white cool-roof membrane. The windows are also triple-glazed and protected with deep roof overhangs.
With these net-zero goals in mind, the family also wanted a functional home that suited everyone — parents, pets and children included. An open, airy and inviting central public zone meets the need for a functional family area. The gathering space includes a gourmet kitchen, deck access across the back of the house, and dining and living areas. The house also incorporates a study/music room, laundry room, pantry and two-car garage. Meanwhile, the north wall’s glass doors make it easy to marry the outside world with the home’s interior.
But everyone needs their privacy sometimes. That’s why the home includes a private zone for the parents. The kids also enjoy their own separate bedroom suites and a playroom.
The design naturally flows together, allowing one space to lead into the next. This is exemplified by the sleek deck that leads one from inside the house to the beautiful outdoors.
Seamless design and net-zero strategies combine to make the Baboolal home both beautiful and energy-efficient. This modern house gives everyone the spaces they need while remaining sustainable and carbon-free.
Source: https://inhabitat.com/no-waste-no-carbon-no-wonder-this-net-zero-home-breaks-the-mold/