Sustainable and beautiful

The Diamond Bay House is a new house for two highly regarded artists including studio spaces. The house is of two parts: black timber studio wing, and sinuous masonry living areas, conjoined by a thread of kitchen and greenhouse. Environmentally, it manifests solar thermal, water conservation and natural ventilation concepts. The greenhouse traps winter sun, and electric fans help move the heated air. Photovoltaic cells provide half the annual electricity needs. Materials were selected based on their level of embodied energy and V.O.C. emissions.The pictured arch is passed through each time the clients move between working and living activities. It is a symbolic portal, a monumental entranceway that is paradoxically private and internal. The principal drama of this house is reserved for the occupants.