Sripadanna Residence: Going for the (LEED for Homes) Gold
Sripadanna Residence. Saratoga, California. (Photo by Oliver Shay)
Is it possible to achieve a 20 °F difference between indoor and outdoor spaces using passive design when it’s a blazing 100 °F outside? Yes, it is possible, and architect Hari Sripadanna has proven so in his house.The Sripadanna Residence is located in Saratoga, California, an area which experiences hot weather in the summer and fall, where houses are often cooled by mechanical air conditioning. This newly built Sripadanna designed home provides comfort in extreme temperature variations without the help of air conditioning equipment.
Sripadanna Residence. Saratoga, California. (Photo by Oliver Shay)
Sripadanna Residence. Saratoga, California. (Photo by Oliver Shay)
The residence is oriented along the east west direction to reduce solar heat gain while thermally efficient windows are strategically located to take advantage of winter solar heat gain and day lighting. Additionally, its energy efficient measures such as a tight building envelope combined with cool and green roofs all contribute to exceeding the building energy code (California Title 24) by 50%.
Other sustainable design features of the Sripadanna Residence include:
- drought-tolerant turf and plants;
- high-efficiency irrigation systems;
- landscape features that minimize storm water runoff;
- low flow-rate plumbing fixtures;
- high efficiency radiant heating system;
- tankless domestic hot water heating;
- blown-in loose fill fiber glass insulation;
- 90% of construction waste recycled;
- concrete slabs with 50% recycled content; and
- environmentally preferable products including FSC certified framing lumber, reclaimed wood for roof framing and exterior siding, and bamboo flooring.
Sripadanna Residence. Saratoga, California. (Photo by Oliver Shay)
Sripadanna Residence. Saratoga, California. (Photo by Oliver Shay)
In upcoming articles, we will share Hari’s story of his design and construction process as well as his experience in working with Sharon Block, a LEED for Homes representative, to test the building performance. As Hari states:
“one can create a high-performance building that is attractive, cost effective and reduces our environmental impact without using extraordinary measures.”
Sripadanna Residence. Saratoga, California. (Photo by Oliver Shay)
Yes, one can get a lot of bang for the buck if smart design and site specific building design are employed in the design process, and the Sripadanna Residence exemplifies this type of good, sustainable practice.
A TV show featuring the Sripadanna Residence will air on Comcast Channel 15 in San Jose and Campbell at 1:30 PM this Saturday, May 9, 2009.
