Green Project of the Week: Craven Gap Residence
Located in Asheville, N.C., the Craven Gap Residence sits on five acres, with views overlooking Beaverdam Valley. The project is the first one to be Net Zero Energy certified by the International Living Future Institute, with ENERGY STAR ratings and passive solar design. Altura Architects designed the home with a 5.13 kW solar array, the smallest used on an NZE-certified structure.
The steep slope required significant retaining walls, so the architects developed a narrow floor plan that worked parallel to the topography. The narrow layout let daylight enter from multiple sides of the home, supporting wellness and acting as a natural heater. Polished concrete slabs provide proper thermal mass for passive solar energy. The roof overhangs were calculated for optimal year-round sun exposure. An efficient thermal envelope, ERV and mechanical system minimize overall energy use.
Photo Credit: Todd Crawford
