Z Home

                Our first visit was the Z Home project in the highlands, just before Seattle. Designing for residential can be tricky, it is important to think of where your supplies for building every aspect of your home or simple residence come from and the expenses that come from that. The Z Homes were studio, 2 bedroom and 3 bedroom residences that have literally no energy usage from outside sources. They obtain all of their energy from solar panels located on the surfaces of the welcome gate and the roofs of a majority of the buildings located on the site. What I found to be most interesting about the site was the extent the contractors were willing to go to ensure the net zero energy compliance along with the materials and overall construction of the buildings to promote energy sufficiency. The building was made from materials that were ethically sourced, which brings a more natural look to the space and is necessary for people who live a lifestyle that promotes fair trading and living ethically. The interactions between the space and people were refreshing and clean cut. The home was seemingly spacious without using very much overall square footage. Overall the space was well thought out and would work perfectly for someone who is living on their own and doesn’t tote a lifestyle of clutter!