Prospect Hill New Urbanization
Classic style and brilliant colors partner with the solid fundamentals of modern energy efficiency and design
Built in 2011 on what was once an empty lot in historic Prospect Hill, this three-bedroom, 1400-sq.ft. house lives large with open spaces and lots of light. But the classic house, with a gable to the side, is more than beautiful—it’s a modern, high performance, energy efficient home. We used advanced framing techniques, foam insulation, a hybrid heating/cooling system with heat pump and furnace, and an on-demand water heater to achieve an Energy Star rating of 66—which is 34% more efficient than a conventionally-built new house.
The new construction had to conform to Prospect Hill’s conservation district guidelines, which required new architecture to complement the area’s historic gable ells, bungalows and cottages. The idea of going through the entire process was intimidating at first for the owners. "Working with Marc, Steve, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association affirmed for us that we were doing something of broader value and that gave us confidence. In the end it was a very fulfilling experience,” they said.
This tailored home was designed by Architect Marc Cornett whose work integrates classic design elements with modern features and the concepts of new urbanization.
Built in 2011 on what was once an empty lot in historic Prospect Hill, this three-bedroom, 1400-sq.ft. house lives large with open spaces and lots of light. But the classic house, with a gable to the side, is more than beautiful—it’s a modern, high performance, energy efficient home. We used advanced framing techniques, foam insulation, a hybrid heating/cooling system with heat pump and furnace, and an on-demand water heater to achieve an Energy Star rating of 66—which is 34% more efficient than a conventionally-built new house.
The new construction had to conform to Prospect Hill’s conservation district guidelines, which required new architecture to complement the area’s historic gable ells, bungalows and cottages. The idea of going through the entire process was intimidating at first for the owners. "Working with Marc, Steve, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Prospect Hill Neighborhood Association affirmed for us that we were doing something of broader value and that gave us confidence. In the end it was a very fulfilling experience,” they said.
This tailored home was designed by Architect Marc Cornett whose work integrates classic design elements with modern features and the concepts of new urbanization.
The varied rooflines and scale of the house make it seem as if it has always been there, but unlike its historic neighbors, this house built to be energy efficient.
The hallway gives the feel of a much larger house. It leads to the back of house, rising a few steps to correspond to the slope of the lot. (Photo by Carrol Krause)
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The deep blue paint is called Gloxinia and the pale blue on the roof of the front and rear porches is whimsically called Old Pickup Truck. The front door is bright yellow. The colors provide a modern counterpoint to the traditional design. (Photo by Carrol Krause)
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The kitchen floor plan circles around the dining table that can be shifted to the side wall during large gatherings. The hanging track light fixtures can slide to the wall along with the table. (Photo by Carrol Krause)
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The eco-friendly bamboo floors and open, bright spaces of the half-octagonal living room are shared by kitchen. The house that looks traditional on the outside is dramatically modern inside. The owners wryly say, "traditional on the outside, space station on the inside.” (Photo by Carrol Krause)
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