A greenhouse off the kitchen allows for year-round growing

• Objectives: The homeowners, who chose not to hire an architect because they wanted more control of the project, worked with South Lake Tahoe-based Sierra Sustainable Builders (SSB) to achieve their vision for a modern home that felt comfortable in its mountain landscape. Working closely with the owners, the SSB team provided durable exterior surfaces with the goal of creating an extremely sturdy and long-lasting home—a “100-plus-year build”—along with textures that complement the surrounding landscape. With energy efficiency in mind, the owners also decided to move away from natural gas and go all-electric, with a solar array covering the garage loft roof and ample battery storage.

• Special and Unique Features: The home has a robust thermal envelope, with an exterior insulation wrapping the structure, and is heated (radiant) and cooled (air exchange) via a geothermal heat pump system. SPAN smart panels help control energy usage while charging electric vehicles, while a Ketra lighting system throughout the home emulates daylight, shifting in color and brightness so occupants feel more connected to the outdoors and the natural rhythms of the day. The back deck houses a wellness space complete with a cedar hot tub, sauna and cold plunge. A small greenhouse is located off the kitchen, allowing for food and herb growing year-round, and a glass wall at the back of the kitchen opens to an outdoor cooking and hosting space. There’s also dedicated wine and food storage in the basement, along with a music studio. 

• Why it Won an Award: This home showcases exceptional craft and detail while providing easy, comfortable living in Tahoe’s mountain environment. Like all SSB projects, the home is durable, energy-efficient, attractive and worthy of recognition.

An efficient 
wood-burning stove with custom metal surround was one of the homeowner’s must-haves

Merit Award: Sustainable Living

Building Design: Sierra Sustainable Builders; homeowner

Builder: Sierra Sustainable Builders

Interior Design: Sierra Sustainable Builders; homeowner

Landscape Design: Tahoe Outdoor Living; homeowner

Square Feet: 4,325