Apr 26 2013
Stevenson School announces the completion of the Johnson House, a new faculty townhouse built on the Pebble Beach campus. The townhouse is comprised of two approximately 2,400 square feet, two story residential units each with detached two car garages.
Joe Wandke, President of Stevenson School said, "Stevenson is all about people. This faculty townhouse fits perfectly into our plan to build facilities that give our people, faculty and students, the best opportunity to share a powerful educational experience."
The townhouse was designed by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop in San Francisco and built by Avila Construction of Monterey. The residential units were designed and built to Passive House requirements, which require energy efficient detailing specifications and construction strategies be integrated into the design and construction. Passive Houses are built for quality, comfort and energy efficiency and require very little energy to achieve a comfortable temperature year round, making conventional heating and air conditioning systems obsolete. While delivering superior levels of comfort, the Passive House Standard also protects the building structure. Stevenson School consulted with Passive House experts, Integral Impact Inc. of San Francisco, throughout the project.
The materials needed to build a Passive House add about 10-15% to the cost of conventional construction materials and design. However the concept represents today's highest energy standard, reducing the heating energy consumption of buildings by up to 90%.
“With the completion of our new Johnson House – designed under Passive House protocols – we anticipate a reduction of up to 80% of heating related costs and a significant reduction in other energy related impacts as well,” said Mark Hornberger, Stevenson School Chairman of the Board.
Stevenson School is committed to sustainability in their current and future construction projects. The townhouse is the first of several the school is planning on building as funding becomes available. Stevenson School President, Joe Wandke adds, "Stevenson's most valuable resource is our faculty. Continuing this project on the remaining four lots on faculty drive will help us achieve the goal of providing on-campus housing for 50% of our faculty."
The Passive House concept is a proven model in Europe, but in its infancy stage in the U.S. and according to the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) there are very few projects in California. The Johnson House is in the final stages of achieving certification for the new faculty housing from the PHIUS and certification is expected to be received within the next month.