Set against a granite cliffside in Connecticut, the Niantic Net Zero House lends breathtaking views of the cliff and Niantic Bay through continuous indoor-outdoor living. The home was built by Bluewater Millwork & Construction and designed by RPA | Richard Pedranti Architect.
Jeffrey Totaro
Two distinct barn shapes house separate living zones for the energy-neutral home with a private primary space, a guest space, and a central public gathering area. The project was completed in 18 months despite a New England winter because of a prefabricated Passive House envelope and steel framing.
Project Details
Category: Custom Home Over 3,000 Square Feet
Location: East Lyme, Connecticut
Size: 3,945 square feet
Architect: RPA | Richard Pedranti Architect
Builder: Bluewater Millwork & Construction
Engineer: Joseph Wren
Landscape: Indigo Land Design, LLC
Prefab Manufacturer: Guardian Structural Technologies
External shades regulate sun exposure and control passive solar gain while rooftop photovoltaic solar panels and Passive House principles help to achieve net-zero energy status. Glass walls allow uninterrupted views of the Bay and retract to merge the indoor and outdoor spaces. Despite the cliffside presenting considerable challenges, the project team integrated the home into the cliff ensuring structural integrity.
Reaching a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and environment consciousness, the project faced stringent local approvals, particularly for stormwater management, which required innovative planning and engineering to meet strict environmental regulations.
