ORR Design Office is responsible for the design of this unique contemporary-styled ranch house that is located in a mature neighborhood near the heart of Downtown Danville, California. This 4,030 square foot LEED Platinum certified home is nestled upon a sloping hillside redeveloped property, which had an existing older home that the family resided in for many years. The older home was removed and recycled. 

LEED means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, with Platinum being the highest status a structure (residential or commercial) can achieve. When constructing a home, the USGBC (United States Building Council) will allot points to a structure based on certain criteria pertaining to sustainability measures. Points are earned based on several areas of sustainability and on the number of points achieved. These criteria will determine the outcome of LEED status: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. LEED-certified structures are considered to be energy efficient.

According to the USGBC, LEED-rated homes, “use less water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a bonus, they save money.” Not only is this home sustainably designed to its maximum potential, but it also showcases beautiful design features both inside and out. Tour through the images of this residence below to see what we are talking about…

Above, the contemporary living room reflects heavy wood accents and a sleek gas fireplace as the focal point of the space. With an open layout, the room feels bright and airy, which helps to balance the rustic elements in this space. Wood flooring runs through the living and dining areas, while a durable slate tile can be seen in the higher-traffic hallway and kitchen areas.

What We Love: This California ranch house showcases plenty of exquisite design features, from the furnishings and decor to the material elements of wood and tile. The interiors are flooded with natural light from expansive windows and soaring ceilings in the open-plan kitchen/living area. With clerestory windows and added wood on the ceilings, this area feels warm and sunny. Our favorite feature? The LEED platinum rating. We love a sustainable, attractive home surrounded by nature.

Tell Us: What details in this sustainably designed dwelling do you find most appealing? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Breathtaking Santa Barbara country style home in Santa Ynez Valley and Beautiful update to a modern craftsman style home in Northern California.

This dwelling includes an underground garage and a main level that also was partially set into the hillside. The owner’s bedroom suite is located on the second level above the garage, while the front and rear yards feature a swimming pool, patios, outdoor guest house, and gardens. The preservation of mature trees enhances the overall landscape.

The former residence was half the size of the new home yet consumed twice as much energy. The project team was able to enhance the livable space while minimizing energy consumption through the incorporation of the following features:

Solar PV panels, in-floor hydronic heating, high-efficiency cooling systems, passive cooling thru automatic transom windows, low VOC interior and exterior finishes, recycled local materials, Energy-Star rated appliances and fixtures, all hardwood or stone flooring, wood framed dual-glazed windows, ceiling fans, and high-efficiency lighting and control systems.

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PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Petrole