Daniel Smith & Associates Architects

Buildings consume over 50% of our electricity and are responsible for 60% of CO2 production.
There is no better place to address issues of climate change and natural resource conservation than their design and construction.
But what does green really mean?
In the context of our built environment, truly sustainable design requires much more than just adding solar panels onto a building in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Energy efficiency is a major component of sustainability, but passive design is the place to start.

The term "net-zero" energy (or NZE) describes the concept of buildings generating their own energy needs by renewable on-site power generation.
This is typically done by photovoltaic (PV) panels, sometimes by wind mills or a combination.
There are several definitions of what "zero" means, the most common ones being net-zero "cost" or net-zero "site energy".
The cost definition just means that the annual energy bill would be zero, which can be accomplished by over-producing electricity in the summer, running the meter backwards, and then using the accumulated "credit" in the winter.

At the turn of the century, the Nebraska sand hill pioneers developed straw bale construction primarily out of necessity.
There were few trees, the soil was too sandy (and too valuable) for sod construction, winter was coming, and they were limited to the materials on hand.
Modern-day builders and designers are not limited by the same constraints and can afford to analyze and evaluate the relative merits of straw bale construction before employing it.
Health and safety standards, along with expectations for building longevity, demand well-tested materials.

Daniel Smith & Associates has broad experience in residential design, from urban infill and backyard cottages to rural homes and large scale site developments.
We enjoy the close interaction with our clients, whose wishes and personalities make each project unique.
Our work includes new construction as well as remodels and additions, finding site-responsive, creative solutions that fit the client's budget.
We strive for buildings that are energy-efficient, durable and healthy, and enable their occupants to have a very small environmental "footprint", and even smaller utility bills.

Tucked into the Berkeley Hills, a family with two children wanted to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for the long-term prospect of multi-generational living.
Due to the steep topography and limited yard space, the 850 sq.
The interior of the 2-bedroom, 1-bath dwelling features an open living/dining/kitchen area with a generous facade opening up to Tilden Park and the large Deodar Cedar right in front of the window wall, which the owners described as living in a treehouse.
The spectacular outdoor setting is also captured on the roof deck with its panoramic views of the hillsides to the East.