GRANDPARENTS’ WELCOME

A couple bought a home across the road from their young grandchildren. They wanted to create a welcoming destination for their family as well as a comfortable, energy-efficient, light-filled home for their retirement. A deep energy retrofit and extensive renovation of the existing house created a sturdy and unique all electric, net-zero home.  The renovated home surpassed the passive haus standard for retrofits (1.0 ACH50), testing out at 0.8 ACH50, and employs both active and passive solar design elements (rooftop solar panels, sunshades).

With a generous front porch to welcome family, the home features thoughtful details tailored to the couple’s aesthetic style, including finely crafted cabinetry and trim, places for the whole of their large collection of books and art, rustic white oak flooring, and Sapele decking, pergola, and sunshades. Abutting a well-used hiking trail, the property is abundant with native plants and pollinator gardens, offering plenty of opportunities to recreate and enjoy the outdoors across the generations.