Designed for an active family, this residence is centered on a common area that supports wide range of activities. The guiding force behind the house form included the desire for open space, connection to the outdoors and access to natural light. The integrity of the residence’s materials was also an important factor in the design – solid wood, stone, glass and steel were selected. The residence benefit from energy-efficient geothermal heat pump and a passive solar design strategy, solar photovoltaic, radiant heated floors, reducing energy costs by half.