Santa Monica Courtyard Evleri

“Title 24” (California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards) inspired the design of the net-zero homes. We see the state’s recently implemented code as an opportunity to reinvent the Southern California single-family dwelling.

Following the Title 24 option to use glass on just 20% of the surface area, we concentrated the limited area of windows and glazed doors around the main living spaces. Rooms facing the courtyard receive generous amounts of daylight from three sides. And, in the two stairwells, skylights and windows are paired together to

Enclosing less floor area than the maximum allowed by code, the side-by-side homes increase the amount of space people can enjoy outside while decreasing the amount of inside area that requires heating and cooling energy. The perimeter walls setback to frame spaces for opening air living: the centerpiece of it all is the courtyard which is complemented by a dining area, fire pit, and zen garden.