A House for 2 (+5)

Project Type: Passive House Proposal
Date Completed: Spring 2024
Location: Truckee, Ca
Association: PHIUS

Status:  Passed!




...Is a a home in Truckee, CA (ASHRAE Climate Zone 4B) located on the West side of Lake Tahoe to meet Phius CORE 2021. The home is intended for a retired couple who would like 6 bedrooms (master+5) to accommodate friends and family to come and visit. They are requesting a three story building with a conditioned footprint of approximately 24’x24’. On the first floor, they would like a sizable mud room/attached garage (not included in the conditioned footprint). Two parking spaces are required. The lot is located on a heavily wooded site, up on a small plateau with a view of the lake to the East. The client has requested to maximize those views. Due to the large mountain ranges surrounding the lake and property, the horizon is also heavily shaded.

This design response aims to create a comfortable and efficient residence for the couple, and their six bedrooms. The layout prioritizes eastern views for both private and public areas of the house, allowing everyone an opporitunity to enjoy the lake. In addition to meeting experiential requirements, the design incorporates strategies such as high-performance insulation, natural and mechanical ventilation, and high-performance glazing and openings to ensure a successful and comfortable home.