We set out to hire a great architect to come up with an artistic and creative concept for our home. We also wanted our home to be built according to Passive House methods using energy modeling at the outset of the project, incorporating 2×6 framing, weather resistant air barrier to lessen air infiltration / exfiltration, and incorporating a whole house energy efficient filtered fresh air system delivering fresh filtered air 24×7 to each room in the home. Walking into a house like this is different, it smells fresh.
Using great performance windows which are actually matched to the aesthetic and energy performance modeling takes some forethought that few architects do.
Here in Santa Barbara, landscaping of the site is very important. We were introduced to our landscape architect by our architect. Landscaping a 1 acre estate is like art, where placement of each shrub, sandstone boulder, and each tree is a curated and important part of the landscape design process while also making the outdoor space usable with a pool, quite spaces while providing usable, livable space for gatherings and family get togethers.