Architecture, Engineering & Planning EVstudio | Denver & Evergreen Architect | Colorado & Central Texas | Blog

The Mountain Modern Residence is a proposed speculative residence designed for  Tomskin and demonstrating EVstudio’s full understanding of green systems, design and technologies. It is a prototype design that the client wishes to reproduce at a normal market price point. The client is currently looking for the first piece of vacant land. In order to reach the sustainability goals we created a list of core sustainable concepts that the design fulfills.

Core Sustainable Concepts Outline:
Smaller footprint with open floor plan & compact shape
Structural Insulated Panels construction above grade
Insulated Concrete Forms for foundation
Slab concrete floors with in-floor radiant
Spray in Foam insulation (wherever necessary)
Resource efficient structural elements
Passive solar design with southern exposure
Glass ratios LEED = North-South glazing 50% higher than East-West glazing
Winter (single) low-e windows on South exposures
Double low-e windows on North, East and West exposures
Well designed overhangs for shading
Thermal chimney for active or passive convection loop in chimney with duct controls
Compost capability and Built-in Recycle centers in kitchen and garage with convenient sorting space
Natural daylighting with windows in every room
Kalwall translucent insulating panel on select windows (R-20 at 2-3/4” thickness-- Nanogel provides museum quality day-light transmission
Natural ventilation with operable windows
Natural cooling (air intake through or past vegetation)
Natural cooling (air intake from north side at mechanical mezzanine)
Airlock entry
Contamination control @ entry with permanent walk-off grates and bench and storage area for removal of shoes / coats
Detached garage (unconditioned) for contaminant control and energy efficiency
Southern exposure w/ 4:12 pitch roof  for PV systems with 600 – 700 s.f. would effectively create 800 kWh (avg. 1900 s.f. home/lifestyle)
Geothermal system on certain sites
High-efficiency boiler as primary heat source if geothermal ground source heat pump not available. Sidearm boiler for domestic and a zoned system
All high performing appliances
Low-flow fixtures including dual flush toilets
Ultra-high performance glazing
Air-Air heat exchanger for ventilation requirements with HRV system in mezzanine mechanical space
Heat recovery system on Domestic Hot Water
Energy efficient lighting system
Low VOC / Odors / Emissions for all interior materials & finishes
Durability planning

1. Define Green Architecture? What Makes a Building Sustainable and Green?
2. Geothermal the "hot" new thing?
3. "Organic Mountain Modern" Getting Final Touches
4. Available Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Design
5. Windows Close to the Floor
6. Living a Radiant Life – Understanding Radiant Heat Transfer in Buildings
7. Getting active about passive solar
8. New Projects at EVstudio