Transformative Design

By imaginatively reconfiguring the existing footprint, Studio St. Germain transformed a previously threadbare structure into an energy-efficient home with an appealing streamlined look. The re-design provided space to accommodate a new master bedroom and a new master bathroom, as well as a sizable balcony, making this project both a renovation and an addition. To achieve this expansion, Studio St. Germain applied for and received a zoning variance, making it possible to transfigure the limited existing lot into a dynamic high-performance building.

While sustainable architecture has often been equated to undistinguished design. For Studio St. Germain, a successful project incorporates all of the elements of its High Performance Program: sustainability, well-being, productivity, and design.

Influenced by modernist principles, the design of the Sewickley Residence is both contemporary and classic, with its rectilinear motifs repeated throughout and its simple variations of window shapes giving the facade a dynamic look while providing panoramic views from within. Its color palette adds a sense of serenity to the home.

At a small scale, the Sewickley Residence epitomizes the High Performance Program, a unique fusion of sustainability, well-being, and quality design.

High Performance

The Sewickley Residence reflects the key values of the High Performance Program—emphasizing energy efficiency, sustainability, well-being, and exceptional design, allowing the owners to improve their quality of life while also giving back to the community by ensuring minimal stress on the electrical grid and limiting carbon emissions.

With livability one of the main keys of high-performance buildings, the Sewickley Residence is now a far more comfortable space. Reconfiguring the floor plan gives the residence more room, more comfort, and a more holistic day-to-day experience for its occupants. A new attached garage replaces a rundown carport, allowing not only for privacy and storage but also providing a foundation for an extension of the second floor and a complete re-design of the interior plan. Above the garage is the new master bedroom as well as a new walk-in closet, two elements of the re-design that are directly attributable to the zoning variance. To maximize its energy efficiency and to ensure its solidity, the facade has been upgraded to feature improved insulation—providing year-round thermal comfort—as well as new doors and windows. Air tight construction prevent drafts and leakage, allowing for a consistent indoor environment and conserving energy.

Energy and Sustainability

One of the most important goals of this project is energy efficiency. To that end, the Sewickley Residence features a rooftop solar array, and all appliances and systems have been converted into electric, eliminating fossil fuels and reducing utility costs. These program elements bring the Sewickley Residence to near net-zero status, with a net EUI of 9, 75% less than the established baseline. Similarly, after a year of monitoring its performance, the data returns reveal a net energy consumption of 5,360 kWh per year, far below initial predictive modeling. Compared to other structures of similar size and use, the Sewickley Residence drastically minimizes energy usage.

For the owner, these performance improvements have produced a structure with low-operational costs, ongoing savings, and future-proofing—all byproducts of high-performance design. A recent outage in the area left most homes without power, but the Sewickley Residence, with solar energy stored through its photovoltaic system and a Tesla backup battery at its disposal, remained online.

Carbon Footprint and Healthy Architecture

With its low carbon emissions, the Sewickley Residence is a model of environmentally conscious design. Operational carbon emissions produced by power demands from lighting, heating, and cooling—will be drastically minimized. Reducing the carbon footprint so dramatically will result in the equivalent of removing one car from the road per year or planting 70 trees per year.

A Tesla backup battery stores excess solar energy for use in case of emergencies, and an electric vehicle charging station in the garage provides an extra measure of energy conservation.

High-performance homes are also distinguished by their focus on the well-being of their occupants, contributing a positive impact on health.

An advanced HVAC system offers vastly improved air quality and may help minimize the spread of pathogens and viruses. Inadequate air circulation negatively affects millions of people across the country, exacerbating respiratory ailments such as asthma. Studies have also shown that poor air quality can diminish concentration and productivity.

With concerns over water on the rise in Allegheny County, healthy water is also critical for residents. To that end, the Sewickley Residence features a whole-house filtration system that strips pollutants from the water, ensuring its safety for washing and drinking.

Futureproofing

Another important element of the Sewickley Residence is futureproofing. Predicting adverse events is nearly impossible, but the solar panel system and the Tesla backup battery mean having no loss of power in the event of municipal grid outages from a storm or a malfunction. Similarly, the materials and components of the building are not only durable but designed to extend their lifecycles.

The air tight construction, for example, keep building materials from rapid deterioration caused by interstitial condensation, and the water filtration system strips hard water of its harsh mineral content, which can cause limestone build-up, damaging pipes and faucets.