Information

Our conceptual framework for the Satori House was to aim for the most holistic approach to reducing energy consumption, this was achieved by using the principals of Passive House Design. The strategy is simple, there are four critical steps to passive house design: 1. Solar Orientation 2. Air Tight Construction 3. Super Insulated Envelope and 4. 100% Fresh Air Circulation.

By using the tenets of Passive House design the Satori House uses 90% less energy than standard construction, and with a smaller solar array the home is completely off-the-grid and has exceeded the clients goal of Net Zero Energy Consumption.

The program for this house consisted of family gathering space, a single bedroom, bathroom and open loft for additional sleeping area. this cabin up north has its “front door” facing Lake Michigan. This idea site is directly facing south and was previously clear of trees that would have blocked the solar exposure. The finishing touch of the trellis creates great aesthetic appeal as well as performing as a summer sun shade to mitigate heat gain. Using BIM and solar analysis it was possible to design the trellis to maximize solar orientation in for both winter and summer months. Passive design strategies like these achieve indoor thermal comfort without the use of mechanized systems that consume more energy.

The extra thick shell of this home act like a blanket of protection from the elements.

The choice of materials for the exterior of the home were carefully selected to have this new cabin construction appear as if it was part of the landscape. Resting clear of protected dunes the weathering steel and earth tone exterior visually blend within its surroundings and they also harken to the iron mining heritage of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Knowing that Michigan is a beautiful state with an abundance of natural resources our client is passionate about choosing Passive House as the only design standard for residential construction.