There has been a trend toward empty nesters moving from the suburbs back to urban areas, seeking the amenities and proximity to destinations that the suburbs often lack. This house is located in a historic neighborhood, a short walk from a grocery store, grade school, community center, and downtown Lawrence, Kansas.

The 1,600-square-foot house features an airtight, highly insulated thermal envelope, efficient light fixtures and appliances, and a high-performance mechanical system. These design features, combined with a rooftop photovoltaic array and proper orientation to take advantage of the sun and wind, are intended to minimize the owner’s energy costs. All of this was accomplished while meeting the design requirement to build within the environs of a nearby listed historic property.

The house occupies a lot and a half and engages the site generously. The focal point is the south-facing courtyard, which is sheltered from north winds to maximize its use throughout the year. A rain garden collects stormwater runoff and supports the growth of native plants. Nearly every room opens onto the garden, and the windows allow winter sunlight to heat the thermal mass of the concrete floors.

The front elevation is composed of two gables joined by an entry foyer. To the left is the living room, and to the right is the kitchen. The kitchen serves as the social heart of the residence, with views of the rest of the house, the courtyard, and the street.

The simple forms, standing-seam roof, half-round gutters, and minimal trim detailing emphasize the character of the horizontally laid cedar siding. The cedar was reclaimed from railroad bridge trestles dismantled by the logging industry.