nzr dadu
This Net-Zero-Ready DADU prototype was created to as a part of Seattle sponsored competition to provide pre-approved designs for DADUs.
Confronted with a growing environmental and housing crisis, this proposal provides a solution for homeowners wanting to increase the value of their property by providing a healthy, resilient, and responsible dwelling. Offering 2 bedrooms (optional 3), the building aims to accommodate multiple individual tenants or a small family with a compact, but generous layout.
Each component of the building meets strict performance requirements, ensuring passive reduction of energy demand. This building is planned to be net zero energy ready. The introduction of a rooftop photovoltaic array could provide all necessary net annual energy needs.
The building utilizes a precut timber frame, a prefabricated panelized enclosure, a malleable interior finish system, and a concise and efficient mechanical system. This unique combination of systems allows for optimized installation sequences, predictable quality of the thermal envelope, and interior flexibility.
LOW COST
This project optimizes value by providing an efficient high quality building for a lower cost through the combination of a compact floor plan and an accelerated construction sequence. The building’s performance will additionally save homeowners on long term energy costs.
GREEN BUILDING AND DESIGN
One mission of this building is to provide the owner with the means of achieving a net zero energy development. The envelope has been designed within Passive House (PHIUS) guidelines. The building systems focus on reducing petroleum products and responsibly using accessible wood products for its structure. Intelligently sized and placed fenestration will provide passive solar heating with the correct orientation.
PRIVACY
Within a site, the NZR DADU can accommodate many orientations and positions due to its compact footprint. This allows for major openings to be strategically positioned toward private yards and allows facades with limited openings to face toward active edges.
CONTEXT
The presence of this building is meant to be a background element in a neighborhood context. Traditional siding can be used to appropriately adapt to the specific aesthetic requirements of the area. The neutral aesthetic of this modern building quiets its presence with simple expression and a comfortable material palette.
CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE DESIGN
By prioritizing changing housing needs, this home can be modified to provide 1 to 3 bedrooms. The flexible interior environment allows for ease of adaptability and configuration to the tenants’ needs.
CONSTRUCTABILITY
This NZR DADU is intended to be prefabricated with a partnered fabricator, delivered to the project site, and installed without the need of a crane. The building systems (structure, envelope, finishes) are independent of one another. This allows for component optimization, flexibility and overlap in the construction process.
