Alvina Tree House

Alvina Tree House is an infill residence with a small budget and big aspirations! It provides accessible, multi-generational living at the maximum density allowed by site zoning. Three generations live on the property, centered around the original 1890’s homestead farmhouse. An old-growth ponderosa pine tree serves as the spiritual heart of the site and inspired the new home’s design. A utility easement and steep slopes cut off access to the potential buildable area from parking areas, requiring that the new home this important tree. With goals for an accessible home. these constraints ultimately led to an elegant solution: a long-ramped bridge that connects the home to the rest of the family property.

Sustainability was approached from all angles and low-carbon strategies were implemented where possible. Locally-milled wood siding clads the entire house exterior and is showcased at the interior loft floor and deck support structure. Wood and linoleum flooring, minimal use of ceramic tile, solid wood casing and trim, formaldehyde-free plywood veneer cabinets, and low- or zero-VOC finishes provide warmth, durability, and a pristine indoor environment. Use of concrete was minimized where possible, resulting in 25% less concrete material used, compared to homes with traditional detailing. Building envelope testing confirms an excellent 1.18 ACH value; this was achieved with simple building sealing strategies and affordable fiberglass windows and doors. The building is all-electric, fed by a 7.4 kW rooftop solar array with net metering. This home confirmed that a beautiful home with high sustainability goals can be achieved at an affordable budget, and all building strategies can be used on other builds in our area.