Single-family

Among the first of its kind, this small residential development in Marin County features six modest strawbale homes ranging from 1200-1500 sq.ft. on a 10.6 acre parcel wth 9 acres preserved as open space. It's the culmination of 45 years of uncertainty for the land and seems to be an ideal end result for property neighbors as well as the county. Beyond Efficiency was retained to design mechanical and plumbing systems that are appropriate for the super-efficient low-load homes.

At an elevation of 8750' and winter design temperature of -16 degrees F, the historic mountain mining town of Telluride, Colorado can be cold! Beyond Efficiency was brought on board for its cold-climate expertise and provided buiding envelope advising and detailing, mechanical engineering, and guidance in surpassing Telluride's energy efficiency requirements for the new single-family home. The project was completed in the fall of 2016.

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. 

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.

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.”

Designed to seamlessly blend with the stunning Sea Ranch cliffline, the Agnew Residence boasts elegance and environmental sensitivity. The project achieved LEED Platinum certification with an emphasis on a high-performance building envelope, condensing boiler for in-floor radiant hydronic heating, 100% high-efficiency lighting and appliances, sustainable materials, and low-impact landscaping.

Clarum Homes built the first passive home in San Mateo County & Menlo Park, California. It blends unsurpassed energy-efficient technology and sustainable building materials into a custom home that is gorgeously designed, healthy for occupants, and amazingly comfortable.