Sustainability Report

The embodied carbon strategy focused primarily on durability, longevity, local sourcing, and reducing replacement cycles. Key measures include:

• Use of locally sourced western red cedar for siding and decking, reducing transportation-related emissions.
• Durable exterior materials selected for long service life in a coastal environment, lowering lifecycle replacement impacts.
• Integration of the building into the hillside, reducing exposed envelope area in some portions of the structure.
• Use of a restrained material palette to simplify construction and maintenance requirements.
• Flexible open-plan layouts intended to support long-term occupancy adaptability.

The primary operational carbon reduction measures are passive rather than mechanical. Embedding portions of the house into the slope improves thermal regulation naturally, while high-performance envelope systems reduce heating losses. Extensive daylight access minimizes daytime lighting loads, and durable envelope materials reduce maintenance-related energy demand over time. Operational energy reduction strategies include:

• Earth-sheltered lower level utilizing the thermal mass and stable temperatures of the hillside.
• High-performance glazing systems.
• Thermally broken doors.
• Highly insulated wall and roof assemblies.
• Passive solar gain through large glazed openings.
• Daylighting strategies that reduce reliance on artificial lighting.
• Rainwater harvesting for non-potable water demand reduction.
• Native planting strategies reduce irrigation and maintenance needs.

Service and maintenance emissions were reduced through:

• Use of naturally durable western red cedar suitable for marine climates.
• High-performance protective stain systems extending maintenance intervals.
• Durable concrete and metal materials with long replacement cycles.
• Native landscaping requiring reduced irrigation and maintenance.
• Robust envelope detailing designed for coastal weather exposure.