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Richmond Residence

This zero energy and zero water custom home in the heart of Portland, Oregon, is a model of urban resiliency.

the Richmond residence kitchen, highlighting the wood cabinets, light blue tile backsplash, clerestory windows, and plats on top of the upper cabinets. The foreground shows an island with waterfall countertop and 2 counter height stools.
the living room at Richmond residence, showing a blue couch with orange accent pillows. Beyond is the kitchen which features light wood cabinets. In the foreground is a built in bookshelf
the living room at Richmond residence, showing a blue couch with orange accent pillows. Beyond is a large sliding glass door with a woman walking outside
Richmond residence's front entry with stairs leading up to the front porch. The building highlights a combination of light wood siding and darker roof and complimentary siding. A large photovoltaic array is visible from this view of the roof.
the front patio at Richmond residence, showing 2 patio chairs and a beautiful wood clad wall and ceiling.
a large window and built in bench for removing shoes
a view of a bedroom at Richmond residence. In the foreground is a beautiful red, yellow and maroon rug with a blue office chair and a built in desk. To the left of the frame is the bed. A tilt/turn window is in the center right of the frame with a view out.
the primary bathroom at Richmond residence. The image highlights beautiful light green tile, a mirror, a plants cascading down from a clerestory window
the Richmond residence bedroom, featuring a full height built in closet and a clerestory window behind the bed. The bed has a lovely yellow comforter on it.
the Richmond residence bedroom, featuring a view of the full glass door that accesses the backyard. A built in window seat with drawers below is on the right side of the frame and the bed is in the foreground. A high pile rug leads out to the glass door.
Richmond residence exterior view with a foreground of plants and the buildings combination of dark siding and light wood accents beyond
the exterior patio at Richmond residence. An outdoor shower with a medium size potted tree is shown alongside a dark wood fence.
Project Scope
Architecture, Construction
Project Stats

Design: 3 bedroom / 2.5 bathroom & garage | 1,757 sf

Certification:

Safe + Sustainable Site

Earth Advantage Zero Energy

Earth Advantage Platinum

Energy, Carbon and Health:

Projected annual energy savings: 114%

Project energy use intensity (pEUI): -5.3 kBtu/sf/yr

Air Leakage: 1.60 ACH50

Passive House design principles: Super insulated with cellulose insulation, triple-pane windows, continuous air barrier, air source heat pump, CO2 heat pump hot water heater, all-electric systems, in-floor radiant heat and appliances, EV charger

9.3-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system and energy storage

9,000-gallon rainwater collection cistern and potable water filtration system

Healthy Materials

Zena hardwood floors, Forbo Marmoleum, white oak cabinetry, Fireclay tile, FSC-certified cedar siding, Cali bamboo decking

Press/Awards: 2023 Home of the Year Award from Green Builder magazine

Collaboration: Landline Landscape Design, photos by George Barberis, video by Keebee Studios

Project Description

This award-winning custom home demonstrates how today’s technologies can create lasting energy and water savings for generations to come. In place of a one-story 1908 house with poor natural light, outdated systems and hazardous materials, we built a modern, high-performance home powered entirely by a 9.3-kilowatt rooftop solar array that meets 100% of its electricity needs. The home is also designed to meet 100% of its annual potable water needs through rainwater harvesting, on-site water filtration and low-flow fixtures.

The compact two-bedroom residence features front and back covered porches. Thoughtfully placed triple-pane windows and doors bring in abundant natural light and support cross ventilation, helping meet energy-efficiency goals while strengthening the home’s connection to the outdoors. The landscape features a drought-tolerant design that significantly reduces irrigation needs.

An energy-efficient heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system maintains clean, healthy indoor air quality by enhancing the filtration of incoming outside air. A CO2 heat pump water heater powers an in-floor radiant system on the lower level, the home’s domestic hot water and a soaking tub in the backyard.

A zero energy building is a complex endeavor. We had to make a million decisions, but we never had to make those alone. Green Hammer was with us the whole way.