Architecture 815
This project, located in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood, focuses on designing a carbon neutral house in a cold weather climate. Special attention is given to thermal efficiency, passive solar heating, and solar energy production. In this particular situation, the large and irregular corner site was utilized to provide multiple units of housing. A smaller unit is provided to singles or young couples who do not require multiple bedrooms. A larger unit is provided to larger families that need several bedrooms for children. The two units are separated by an exterior courtyard or hallway where the two entrances are located for the units.
The exterior of the units are protected from northern winds by thick concrete walls. A dichotomy is created with the concrete by wrapping the remainder of the units with a wood rain screen wall. The units are then protected by the roof structure that contains the PV cells. These cells are layed out to allow diffuse sunlight through and down into the exterior hallway. Upon the roofs of the units are two roof gardens that are utilized by the owners. These roof gardens are accessed from two exterior staircases.
