Del Ray Passive House

PHIUS design certified

photos by Jennifer Hughes

This house is more than a Passive House Institute of the United States (PHIUS) Design Certified passive house; it is a beacon of sustainable living. It is a net-positive home, contributing energy back to the grid, storing reserves with a robust battery backup system for unexpected needs, and delivering uninterrupted power.

Designed for a vibrant urban family of six, this house is built with the future in mind, blending sustainability, resilience, and comfort. It was envisioned as a home to be cherished for generations, offering spaces that encourage connection and growth while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings.

Above all, this house is deeply tied to its environment. It aligns with nature, emphasizing a living dialogue between the built and unbuilt. The guiding principles of this project—sustainability, quality, and collaboration—are evident in every element. The design and construction was a team effort across disciplines to change the landscape of what it means to build a sustainable forever family home. 

The house promotes effortless movement between indoors and outdoors, encouraging the family to enjoy nature in its many forms. A welcoming front porch fosters community interaction, while a private, expansive backyard offers an oasis of peace. Strategically oriented to capture morning sunlight and block harsh afternoon rays, the home embodies harmony with its environment. The green roof and rain garden address water challenges, fostering local pollinators and restoring ecological balance.

Inside, this house is a sanctuary of health and energy efficiency. Triple-glazed wood windows ensure thermal comfort while maximizing natural light and preserving privacy. Mechanically operable clerestory windows at the central stairwell provide natural ventilation and fresh air circulation. The home’s lighting system mimics the rhythm of the sun, enhancing wellness by transitioning from bright, energizing light during the day to warm, calming tones in the evening.

Materials were chosen with care and respect for the planet. Recycled brick shapes the front volume, while unfinished wood siding and decking at the rear invite tactile engagement. Every material tells a story of durability and reverence, adding character and meaning to the home.

This house invites admiration and joy. Nowhere is this more evident than in the central stairwell, an architectural centerpiece softened with a rainbow whirl, capturing the playful spirit of the family it serves.

The house’s energy performance exceeds PHIUS standards. Its airtight envelope, five times more efficient than required, ensures minimal energy loss. Solar panels on the southern roof, paired with a battery backup system, allow the home to generate and store clean energy, ensuring resilience even during outages. A geothermal system further enhances efficiency, working with the earth to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

More than just a house, this is a promise—a commitment to the family and the planet. It teaches its inhabitants to live in rhythm with the earth, offering a model of what is possible when ambition, sustainability, and timeless design come together.

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