RANCHO DA FLÓRIDA

This project utilizes passive sustainable practices as a baseline of design prior to integrating active systems. Breaking apart the programmatic spaces of the home (living, sleeping, and storage) and creating exterior circulation between these volumes resulted in smaller masses to cool. This also created two breezeways between the volumes, capturing the predominant east-west winds and generating comfortable exterior spaces.

The volumes are unified by one large roof with generous overhangs on the western façade. Expansive overhangs shade the glass, providing natural daylighting, minimizing heat gain, and creating a comfortable outdoor living environment under roof. These measures reduce the energy load of the house, which is then complemented by the 17kw solar array located on the property and by fully automated LED lighting within the home. The home is Certified Emerald under the National Green Building System (NGBS) and achieved a HERS index of minus 31.

The project sits on a working 40-acre ranch, and connecting the home to the land in terms of its sustainable functions was just as important to the client as pairing the living spaces with the fantastic views their property affords. The property’s site drainage was re-graded to retain 100% of its stormwater, creating a natural lake that the house is oriented towards.