BONE Structure breaks ground on first net-zero residential project in California

This luxury custom home in Stanford, based on a patented steel frame building technology, is the first net-zero residence by architecture firm BONE Structure. The project, which includes the firm's trademark construction process based on a post-and-beam system and laser-cut elements, is currently being built as a private home for professor Mark Jacobson, the head of the Atmosphere and Energy Program at Stanford University.

Thanks to the off-site manufacturing process, the house is easy to outfit with all the electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, which can be inserted into precut openings. An air-tight envelope ensures stable interior temperatures, with insulation panels clipped into place between steel columns and polyurethane foam insulation.

The Jacobson Residence is only the beginning for BONE Structure. The firm plans to replicate the concept and build 50 new homes in California in 2016. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in visiting the Stanford house, the property will be available for tour on June, 24, 25 and 26.