Sustainable Family Home

Sustainable Family Home
Rear of the home showing the Solar PV
Winner of the 2013 "All In the Family" Tahoe Quarterly Legacy Award (read article), this home is not only cozy and family oriented, but also incorporates many sustainable features.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS:
• SOLAR PV: 3.5kW photovoltaic array (20)-175 Watt panels
• SOLAR THERMAL: (3)Heliodyne Flat Plate collectors w/238 gallon, dual-stage storage tank and 200 kBTU/HR backup boiler.
• GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP: (9)-300ft deep wells with dual pumps providing both heating and cooling.
• PASSIVE SOLAR: 9% South Glazing Ratio, <3% at East & West
• Thermal Mass: Interior stonework and 1-1/2" gypcrete floors.

INDOOR AIR QUAILTY/HEALTH INTERIORS.
• Whole-house fan plus (8)-variable speed exhaust fans with occupancy sensors.
• Low VOC Cabinetry, Carpeting, and Finishes, Sealed building envelope to minimize air leakage.

RENEWABLE MATERIALS:
• Reclaimed wood siding and flooring.


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I am pleased to offer my wholehearted recommendation for MW A, who recently completed design work for my residential addition. Throughout the entire process, they demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and a strong commitment to client service. From the outset, the team was exceptionally responsive and open to design dialogue. They listened carefully to my goals, welcomed feedback, and engaged in thoughtful discussion that ultimately strengthened the final design. Their ability to balance my vision with practical considerations made the process collaborative and enjoyable. Equally impressive was their reliability. Every project milestone and promised deadline was met, often ahead of schedule. In a field where delays are common, their consistent follow-through provided tremendous peace of mind. The project also involved multiple zoning and compliance challenges, which the firm navigated with skill and confidence. Their deep understanding of local regulations helped avoid costly delays and ensured that all submissions met the necessary standards. Perhaps most notably, they went above and beyond by representing me at Architectural Standards Committee meetings to secure approval for my addition. Their advocacy, preparation, and clear communication were instrumental in achieving a smooth approval process. In every respect, MW A exceeded expectations and was truly a pleasure to work with. I would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking an architectural team that is communicative, dependable, and dedicated to delivering exceptional results.

-- Adrienne Bell
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