South County House

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, teal subway tile backsplash, open shelves with white dishes, stainless steel appliances, and a large window.
A modern cabin with wood siding and a covered porch, surrounded by trees.

Low Energy Home, High Performance Redesign

TYPE: New Construction, Low Energy Home

SIZE: 1560 SF

LOCATION: Nevada County, Northern California

DATE: 2018

DESIGN REVISION | INTERIORS:  Mela Breen | Atmosphere Design Build

CONTRACTOR: Atmosphere Design Build

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Lincoln and Long Engineering

MECHANICAL: Balance Point Home Performance

Photography: Kat Alves

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, green tiled backsplash, and large windows; a vase with green branches on the island.

Tasked with creating a cohesive interior space, we selected local and regional materials to create an warm wood palette and textural tiles. Douglas fir cabinetry and custom furniture built-ins, and trim was used throughout the house.

Modern bathroom with geometric tiling, glass shower enclosure, wooden frame window, and patterned floor tiles.

The client came to Atmosphere Design Build with a purchased set of pre-designed plans. Unhappy with how the floor plan related to the site the client asked us to improve the layout and overall energy efficiency. While working within the original footprint, we refined each room's design and functionality. The kitchen was redesigned to strengthen the connection between the main living space and wrap around outdoor deck.

Wooden window seat with red and gray cushions next to a bookshelf, with a view of trees through the window.
Modern bathroom vanity with wood cabinets, gray countertop, geometric backsplash, white rectangular sink, and black faucet. Yellow flowers in a black vase on the counter.
Modern kitchen with teal subway tile backsplash, light wood cabinetry, open shelves with white cups, and a wood-paneled island with black metal stools.

We took the predesigned plans and developed energy efficiency details and specified an air barrier strategy. The house is constructed with a SIP roof and insulated slab on grade. A single ductless mini-split provides heating and cooling and a high efficiency Scandinavian wood stove offers auxiliary heat and resiliency. The house is a mixed fuel home with a ground mounted photovoltaic system.

Wooden porch with roof, chair, and small table overlooking lush green trees.