Ash+Ash

Ash+Ash was designed with the goal of integrating contemporary architecture with high-performance sustainable design. The residence takes advantage of regional and distant views to the east, north, and west, as well as a close relationship to its neighborhood and immediate landscape. Creating a range of outdoor terraces and porches for use at different times of the day and in different weather fueled the design; blurring the line between those exterior spaces and the interior living spaces was central to the design concept and innovation.

The building is composed of white stucco planes with glass and cedar infill panels that float above a dark brick base. Deep cedar soffits at the home’s porches extend above the glass, forming rich interior spaces. Rift-cut white oak used extensively throughout the interior is complemented by a cantilevered walnut stair to the rooftop viewbox and terrace. Simple white marble floors and walls in the baths and grey marble in the powder room establish clean backgrounds for glass tile feature walls. An Art Deco-era crystal chandelier and other items collected by the owners were mixed with classic contemporary furniture to complement the architecture.

Certified LEED Platinum, the home includes a heavily insulated building envelope in combination with a geo-exchange heat pump system, under-floor radiant heating, and heat recovery ventilation. A rainwater reclamation system with 2,400-gallon capacity filters and purifies rainwater for domestic and potable use. Low-e triple glazing, deep overhangs, and automated exterior blinds minimize solar heat gain and are defining features of the architecture.