zero-net energy miner road residence wrapped in rainscreen of corten steel

faulkner architects completes its miner road residence, a zero-net energy home in orinda, california designed for clients with a commitment to environmental sustainability. the project was first initiated with the aim of renovating of a 1954 ranch house situated beneath an old valley oak tree. ultimately the structure was found unsuitable and the design team settled on reusing the existing footprint. the only surviving element of the original house is a concrete-wrapped fireplace, which served to provide structural support and foundation for the redesign.

all images by joe fletcher | @joefletcherphoto

california-based faulkner architects organized the miner road residence with an outward facing open plan which connects directly to the surrounding forested landscape. an interior mezzanine overlooks a double height family space. the exterior is wrapped in a corten steel rainscreen while interiors are finished in unfinished oak wood, taking advantage of the zero annual maintenance cost. a shotcrete foundation allowed formwork to be repurposed for wood framing. these single use materials served to reduce both complexity in detailing and labor costs while generating a relaxed and quiet environment that emphasizes a focus on the natural surroundings.

the design development of the miner road residence was driven by an aim toward an annual zero-net energy home. while the 14-gauge corten rainscreen provides a no-maintenance skin, high levels of insulation and glazing efficiency reduce heating and cooling loads. a photovoltaic system provides on-site renewable energy and has proven to generate more electrical energy than the house used during the first year. as greywater is collected and reused for irrigation, rainwater is separately collected through a rooftop system from which is is channeled to the end of a hallway and expressed as a waterfall.