The Malibu Bluff House is the remodel of an existing 3,800 square foot ranch house into a sustainably designed, passive solar home located on the bluffs of Malibu, California. The residence has large expanses of South facing glazing to allow direct solar gain and to maximize the expansive ocean views. The design includes a 3,000 square foot green roof, planted with native grasses, and a high mezzanine reading loft that acts as the passive exhaust for the main level.

The home features FSC Certified Western Red Cedar siding, FSC Certified engineered lumber and plywood, cotton denim batt insulation, zero formaldehyde cabinetry, low or zero VOC finishes, and natural plaster throughout. A photovoltaic array provides for all the home’s power needs while a separate active solar thermal water heating system provides the hot water needed for domestic use, the in-floor hydronic radiant heating system, and the pool and spa.