From the very beginning of the design process (October, 1999) , this renovation has been designed using a systems approach: this home is an ecosystem; how can we assist in making it as complete and integrated a system as possible including the occupants as part of the system?

For example, the rainwater harvesting system reduces stormwater leaving the site as well as decreases potable water use from the city water supply. The passive solar sunspace is a renewable energy strategy (providing space heat) and an energy efficiency strategy (natural lighting, etc). The entire renovation is guided by the goal to be as “sustainable” as possible in the use of materials.