distinction
The Bethesda Zero House This 4,000-square-foot net-zero house in Bethesda, MD, raises the bar for energy-efficient properties. It relies on both solar and geothermal energy systems and features LED and fluorescent lighting throughout. The orientation of the house maximizes its passivesolar capabilities, and the surrounding landscape is outfitted with trees—which won’t require artificial irrigation—placed carefully to shade the home when fully grown. Additional energy-efficient elements include a rigid-foam insulation shell and an energy-recovery ventilator that transfers moisture from the exhaust air to fresh incoming air.
to start her own firm. “Within three years, I built up an overwhelming amount of business, so that’s when John joined me.” For more than 10 years, the firm has been pushing the envelope in the field of green design. For example, building a net-zero-energy house was more than just a project; it was an experiment to show how a highly energy-efficient and affordable home could be built in the current market. “So without a buyer lined up, we consulted a realtor and an energy consultant and started developing some concepts,” Meditch says. Luckily, an environmentalist bought it before completion in November 2009.
Built in the comfortable corners of Bethesda, Maryland, the net-zero house is run by a large solar array on the roof and flat-panel solar hotwater collectors. It also relies on a geothermal energy system to heat and cool the home. And with a combination of new federal and county tax incentives, the new energy systems will pay for themselves over time, Meditch adds. The 4,000-square-foot, five-bedroom house has strong elements of sustainable design, Murphey notes, pointing out that window placements allow air to flow through the house and cool it naturally. As for lighting, a combination of LED and fluorescents were used throughout the bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen. “What can really bring out the beauty in a green home is the lighting,” he says. “If you can handle light well, it gives real luxury and beauty.” Before the Bethesda home was eventually sold, it housed educational workshops for residents, community leaders, and other architects. “Our mission was to demonstrate how you can build an energy-efficient home without sacrificing comfort,” Meditch says. A two-story beach house overlooking Chesapeake Bay also explores an innovative, modern and sustainable design. “We used no wood, only AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) insulated block,
which is a highly insulated concrete block that is extensively used in Europe but relatively new in this country,” Meditch says. In order for the client to enjoy the gentle breezes from the shore, a central portion of the home can be opened as a breezeway via 16-foot-wide screens. “The windows were oriented to take advantage of the views, and exterior solar shades for the windows to control the sun,” Murphey says. Reinventing modern architectural styles with new ideas is a pastime for the duo. “We travel to different countries, which can harness a canvass of ideas,” Murphey says. In fact, rooftop dining in Guatemala inspired similar roofing styles for many of their projects. The “white house,” named for its white stucco frame, has an elaborate rooftop garden. The “red house,” featuring red stucco and a hand-tossed beaded frame, is complete with a rooftop patio, kitchenette, vegetable garden, and dumbwaiter. “Based on our communications and conversations with the clients, we give every space a soul that celebrates their lifestyle,” he adds. Even though the team has more than 25 years’ experience, Meditch Murphey Architects are always looking for unique projects where its architects can further develop the technology, Murphey says. “We want to be at the forefront of new design approaches while creating beautiful, sustainable, and affordable architecture.”
MARCH 2011
luxury home quarterly
155