Net-Zero Energy California Ranch Home Has Space for 16
The gorgeous rolling hills of rural West Marin, California are home to an expansive family ranch. On this land, Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects created the West Marin Ranch house, a sprawling net-zero home with space for plenty of company.
The compound is made up of a cluster of buildings around a central courtyard. From this courtyard, residents and visitors are treated to a spectacular view of Mount Tamalpais.
In the courtyard, the strong winds are blocked by the surrounding buildings. This makes it the perfect spot to take a swim in the plunge pool or relax in the hot tub. It’s also a lovely sunny area for an outdoor family meal.
Inside the main building is a large space that houses living, dining, and kitchen facilities. The interior is large enough to comfortably host 16 people, and the numerous bedrooms and bunk rooms make it possible for the whole family to sleep over.
The home was designed to be a net-zero energy building. A remote photovoltaic array supplies the home with its power, while radiant heat and passive cooling reduce the home’s energy consumption needs.
The use of reclaimed materials, high thermal resistance insulation, and a rainwater capture system for toilet flushing make this home not only pleasing to the senses, but easy on the planet as well.
More from the architects
“Nestled on a knoll top within an expansive West Marin ranch, this compound creates a gathering place for an extended family. The cluster of buildings shapes a courtyard that frames a view back to Mount Tamalpais. The courtyard shields the strong winds and creates a warm sunny spot for the plunge pool and hot tub. Inside the main house, a large living /dining /kitchen space allows sixteen people to gather. Bedrooms and bunkrooms let them sleep over. The house is filled with inviting spots to read or play games.”
“The house is designed to be net zero with a remote photovoltaic array providing power. Many sustainable features are designed into the house such as high R-value insulation, reclaimed wood floors, and zoned radiant heat with passive cooling. A rainwater capture system is used for toilet flushing. The house is Western red cedar with a corrugated zinc roof. Stainless steel sunshades protect the windows from solar heat gain. Jeannie Fraise of Lotus Bleu was the designer of the furnishings. The landscape architects, the SWA Group, were responsible for extensive site restoration and native project plantings.”
