newport Beach Residence

AWARDED - AIAOC CITATION AWARD

A warm contemporary home that aims to join the growing “passive house” movement. The thick exterior walls are double-studded and brimming with cellulose insulation, ensuring some of the highest insulation values and airtight spaces. With sensational views down to the water the glazing is intended to be triple pane, substituting the argon gas for Krypton to minimize heat loss and gain as needed. These large sliders at the rear can all be pocketed and are protected by a large overhangs to avoid solar heat gain while allowing the gentle cooling breeze. The flat roof allows for a series of seventy-two cell photovoltaic panels set up on a single axis solar tracker to maximize the output. These are then connected to a commercial grade smart battery, allowing the owners the opportunity for greater energy independence.

The large pivot doors serve multiple functions, they allow the owners the opportunity to vary the level of privacy throughout the day constantly adjusting the street elevation. They also provide fantastic cross-ventilation through the space even when partially open. To tackle the ventilation system a heat recovery is to be installed with a minimum efficiency of 75% with a maximum electrical consumption of 0.45Wh/M3 in accordance with the iPHA. The flat roof also aims to harvest the rain-water prior to it being put through a series of filtration, carbon additions and finally a UV sterilization to create potable water. The home is intended not just for the current users but as a home for future generations to grow, laugh and love in.