Energy modeling + optimization

Having outgrown their converted Victorian house, Beckstoffer Vineyard was in need of a proper office building for their staff and vineyard field managers. Their new office building will provide the Old West aesthetic they love while being super-efficient. With a Cool Roof, deeply shaded windows and continuous exterior insulation, the building will require very little energy to heat or cool. Beyond Efficiency provided envelope systems advising, energy modeling, and HVAC design services for the project.

When construction was just about to begin for the South Bay's first cohousing project, Beyond Effiency was engaged to complete a detailed plan review to comment on energy-related aspects of the plans. We provided a detailed matrix of comments and recommendations, including suggestions for improving a significant thermal bridge at the edge of an elevated post-tensioned podium slab. We also advised on window glazing specifications, exterior shading, and insulation assemblies and performance requirements.

Perched on a hill with southern lake views and ideally situated for passive solar design, this home is expected to be the first Passive House in Northern Idaho. Construction assemblies include concrete slab on grade over 12" of EPS foam, 12" SIPS panels with 2x4 interior service cavity, 24" roof trusses with "flash 'n batt" (high-density spray foam with blown-in fiberglass), and super-high-performing triple-pane European windows. 

Pacific Collegiate School (PCS) is a college preparatory public charter school whose mission is to provide a rigorous academic curriculum with a focus in the arts and languages. As a public school, PCS is free and open to all. The school was recently named 25th best high school school in the nation by U.S. & News Report, and top charter school in California. 

A new community of homes for Stanford faculty, being developed to attract and retain faculty in the midst of a challenging housing market, will result in 180 housing units for purchase at below-market prices through the use of restricted ground leases. The 17-acre development will include 68 single-family homes and two four-story multifamily condominium buildings surrounding a central park and community center. The first set of homes is expected to be available in 2017.

The future homeowners of what's expected to be the first Passive House in South Lake Tahoe are currently weekend warriors who head up to Tahoe when they can spare time from their busy lives in the Bay Area. They look forward to full-time residence in Tahoe once their new home, an Angora Fire rebuild, is completed in 2014. Sitting near the flanks of Mt. Tallac, their new homestead will be perfectly placed for regular excursions into the mountains.

This new affordable housing community consists of eight Mediterranean-style buildings, a mix of garden-style walk-up apartments and double-loaded corridor buildings. It also includes a community center, pool, and computer lab with after school support for youth. It features generous green and open space areas, including a community garden and strategically placed trees that will help shade both indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Previously a sheet metal workshop and office, this building is getting a complete makeover and major addition. The future office development is expected to be the first non-residential Passive House building in California and the first in Palo Alto to harvest rainwater for toilet flushing.

Winning Best New Home of 2013 and labeled “Passive House Perfection” by Fine Homebuilding, this 1600-square foot farmhouse achieves the highest performance standards without sacrificing aesthetic standards. The owners “learned that good design and modern aesthetics were compatible with the kind of energy we were seeking and we couldn’t be more pleased.”