systems that produce and support our way of life so that we don’t continue to squander the Earth’s resources. This concept is called sustainability. Eco-Design or Green building is an effort to develop more energy efficient, healthier and environmentally-responsible buildings. Green building also benefits society at large by reducing the environmental impact of a structure. This approach is becoming less of a niche-market and developing more into the mainstream.

Passive solar design is the basis of sustainable construction. It refers to the use of the sun’s energy for the heating and cooling of living spaces. The building itself takes advantage of natural energy characteristics in materials and air created by exposure to the sun. Passive systems are simple and require minimal maintenance and require limited use of mechanical systems (i.e., HVAC). Key aspects of passive design include appropriate solar orientation, the use of thermal mass (i.e., cement flooring and walls), appropriate ventilation and window placement. The most effective designs are based on specific understandings of a building site’s wind patterns, terrain, vegetation and solar exposure.

Like so many busy professionals, the new owners want to come home to a peaceful and serene environment where family can relax and friends can be entertained, inside and out. This couple values the characteristics of sustainable housing and appreciates the elements of modern design. No wonder, it’s in their genes; both come from an international lineage of architects and artists. Once Sage and the couple -whose privacy is very sacred- established a framework with which to work, the site and the building took shape. River City Builders of Roseville