The Beitcher Residence was conceived as a showcase of modern sustainable design for an extremely eco-conscious family. As a joint vision of architect and client, sustainability was a top priority with the goal of generating a model of responsible residential development in the neighborhood.

The siting of the house responds to the San Vicente Boulevard condition to the North and a desire for optimal solar orientation from East and the South. The house demonstrates W3 Architects’ development of passive solar strategies for two-story dwellings that incorporate appropriate thermal mass on the ground floor and a lighter weight structural design for the second level. In addition, the home’s green aspects include solar thermal water heating for domestic hot water, in-floor radiant heat and the pool/spa. A palette of environmentally sound building materials has been used throughout the design, many of which are unconventional, cost-effective, and utilized as unusual and aesthetically appealing design elements.

Beyond the significance of the individual sustainable features, the outstanding characteristic is the comprehensive, holistic approach to integrating technology and architecture. The careful considerations of environment, livability, client requirements and aesthetics in the process of design and construction have produced an exemplary model of sustainable design excellence.

The Beitcher Residence was published in the book “Bioclimatic Architecture”; a publication of international sustainable architecture.