PROJECT  Del Ray Passive House

ARCHITECT  CEDAR Architects

LOCATION  Alexandria, Virginia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  8/15/2024

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Deborah Buelow, AIA, Todd Yeomans, and Tim McCarthy
OWNER/CLIENT 
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Thorsen Construction
PHOTOGRAPHER  Jennifer Hughes, Frazier Springfield
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT MKSK
CIVIL ENGINEER R.C. Fields & Associates
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  APAC
MECHANICAL ENGINEER  Magrann Associates
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  Magrann Associates
CONSULTANT  Interior Decorator - Madigan Schuler, kelly@madiganshuler.com
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  
The brief began with two main client-led components: design a forever family home and make it as energy efficient as possible. This evolved into three guiding principles that remained part of the project for the next four years: regeneration, quality, and collaboration. The design and construction was a team effort across disciplines to discover what it means to build a regenerative forever family home.

The energy performance exceeds Passive House Institute of the United States (PHIUS) standards, and is currently Design Certified (with the expectation of full certification in the coming months). Its airtight envelope, up to five times more efficient than required by code, ensures minimal energy loss. Solar panels on the southern roofs, paired with a battery backup system, allow the home to generate and store clean energy, ensuring resilience even during outages. A geothermal system further enhances efficiency, working with the earth to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Perhaps the most surprising feature, what has been nicknamed the “Rainbow Whirl” in the central stair, defines the story of collaboration the best. Initiated at the end of the project as a request from the homeowner for additional safety in the stairwell, a wonderful group came together to creatively brainstorm how to create a safety feature that can also be a highlight?

More than just a house, it is a commitment to the family and the planet, teaching all involved some ways to live in harmony, and in rhythm with the earth.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

The Jury was impressed by the client’s ambition to create a forever home that prioritizes energy efficiency, and by the architects’ ability to realize these goals in the built proposal. The project demonstrates how Passive House standards can be met without compromising beauty, timelessness, or a careful attention to detail and materiality. Both the interior and exterior express a modern sensibility with subtle vernacular references. The spaces are warm, simple, and well daylit, offering areas for quietude as well as collective gathering.

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Rainbow Whirl Stair - Photo Credit: Jennifer Hughes
2. Dappled Exterior - Photo Credit: Jennifer Hughes
3. Dining - Photo Credit: Frazier Springfield
4. Living - Photo Credit: Jennifer Hughes
5. Kitchen - Photo Credit: Jennifer Hughes
6. Fireplace - Photo Credit: Jennifer Hughes
7. Curtain Wall - Photo Credit: Frazier Springfield
8. Front Exterior- Photo Credit: Jennifer Hughes