Modern Green: Oakland, CA
On a lot ravaged by the Oakland firestorm, Gloria and Peter Yu built a sun-splashed contemporary house that’s admired as much for its striking design as for its approach to green building. At 4,500 square feet, the four-level house is large, but it was thoughtfully designed for low energy use. Photovoltaic panels generate electricity, and solar thermal collectors provide heat for the radiant-floor heating system and a small lap pool. The structure is well-insulated, with spray-in cellulose insulation in the walls and ceiling and high-performance windows that keep the home comfortable year-round.
Click the Download button to read the complete case study from StopWaste's 2005 Green Home Tour.