Features of the design:

• Trellis/ Shade structure
• Energy efficient lighting
• Natural light
• Light catchers
• Increased insulation
• Natural ventilation
• Indoor / outdoor flow
• Train Room/ Studio

Energy Conscious Design

Not only does this architectural design offer stunning Zen like Asian space, it also offers natural lighting, natural ventilation, and energy conscious features such as solar panels.

In observing the images of More ‘Light’ House, light catchers in the ceilings capture natural light into the home’s interior. Due to the shafts being splayed and properly angled throughout the home, better light direction is achieved.

This innovative design feature allows all public spaces to be functional without any electrical lighting during daylight hours; even on overcast days. The light catchers and scoops are designed in such a way that they are multi-directional.   In certain rooms they are facing east for morning light, south combined with straight up for light throughout the day, north for soft supplemental light, and west for evening light. With this sophisticated feature, the clients benefit from using various spaces in the home without using electricity. Although the house is equipped with sophisticated multi-zone HVAC system, it is very rare that the a/c is used. That is because the skylights are in shafts and operable plus the window and door openings are designed to work with them in cross ventilation.

Regarding public and private zones, there is a clever use of an exterior shading devise with vertical louvers that also separates public and private areas on the exterior.

In the interior a sliding Shoji Screen separates the private bedrooms from the public spaces at the dining room.

The main entrance features include a substantial doorway with horizontal glass bands, flow-through stone flooring, and Japanese dry ponds. As one transitions into the home you are met with living room, dining room and immediate splendid views of the highly sophisticated Japanese Garden (completed after photography).

Subtle design effects such as reveals above the baseboards, lighting design, use of Venetian Plaster, clear semi-transparent or translucent wood finishes, tile, and a glass countertop, give the home a level of sophistication and a deep sense of peace.

The impressive north facing fenestration in the hobby room illuminates both the Chinese Brush Painting studio and the O-gauge scale model train city, built by the owner.