MEEHAN HOUSE

Built on a steep slope in the east bay hills with views to the north and solar access to the south, we conceived of the house as a narrow band hugging the contours of the hill.  By narrowing the house to 20 feet and stringing it along the length of the slope, major engineering and changes in floor elevations were avoided.  The narrow floor plan also allows experience of both sun and views in all of the main rooms of the house.  Energy performance is further improved by thick, well-insulated walls and ceilings.  Strategically positioned skylights both help ventilate and daylight the house.  The roof over the master bedroom angles to the south, both punctuating the design and providing a future location for solar panels.  
In addition to reduced engineering, resource efficiency measures include, high-volume flyash concrete, blown-in cellulose insulation, FSC certified California Madrone flooring, salvaged wood and Richlite counters, low VOC paints and natural, linseed oil based finishes. 
Construction by Mueller Nichols.
Photographs by Sarah Wauters.