This edition of the Phius Project Spotlight series highlights the Lakeside Net Zero Passive House single-family project in Richland, Michigan.
We are thrilled to share with you our March Project Spotlight: Lakeside Net Zero Passive House in Richland, Michigan.
In case you missed it, our monthly Project Spotlights are our way of highlighting the cutting-edge work being done by Phius professionals and providing examples of successful design and construction strategies. We will be featuring projects of various sizes, typologies, and climate zones, offering you a peek behind the curtain of each. The Project Spotlight series will appear in e-blasts to our mailing list (be sure to join if you haven’t already) as well as right here in the Klingenblog.
CPHC: Mark Miller
Rater: Stephen Christensen
Architect: Mark A. Miller Architects/Builders Inc.
Construction Company: Abueva Builders LLC
Mechanical Systems Designer: Tim Heppner
Located in southwest Michigan, Lakeside Net Zero Passive House represents a harmonious balance in sustainable building practices and intriguing design. The owner of the property found herself frustrated with the lack of opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of her 1950s ranch home. When the lot next door became available, she sought complete renewal, starting over to create a space that aligned with her sustainability goals.
Pioneered by architect Mark Miller and constructed by builder Paul Abueva, Lakeside Net Zero boasts numerous passive building principles, incorporating Phius’ climate-specific design standards. Strategic design protocols taken by architect & Phius Certified Consultant (CPHC®) Miller informed the specifics of the project, balancing components of design and performance. Lakeside Net Zero includes a super-insulated double stud wall envelope packed with cellulose insulation, triple pane high-performance windows, airtight detailing to prevent weather penetration, and a CERV system that constantly brings in fresh filtered air while re-capturing outgoing energy in the exhaust air stream. Additionally, computer modeling of the trees on the property was conducted to determine the optimal location for solar gain, where they then placed the solar array for the house. A subterranean garage was also incorporated, completed with a tornado schedule built to FEMA specifications.
Uniquely, Lakeside Net Zero Passive House is round in shape, providing an intriguing design concept that draws on spiritual notions of contemplation and transformation. Constructed as a circle with offset halves, making more apparent the flow of spiritual energy coming and going throughout the house, complete with intentionally positioned doors to welcome the nearby lake breeze. Curving stairs ascend the middle of the project, allowing guests to feel as though they are living in the treetops with beautiful views of the lake. The home is designed with “Aging-In-Place” strategies. It operates sustainably and pollution free, completely by the clean power of the sun.
A testament to Lakeside Net Zero’s impressive building features, the project has recently been Platinum Leed Certified and awarded one of the USGBC West Michigan’s Innovative Project of the Year Awards.
All images credit to Scott Shigley Photography.