GaiaMa is a new single story house located in Biscayne Park, Florida designed by Sebastian Eilert of Sebastian Eilert Architecture.
Front view of new home
The 1500 square feet home is built with ICF walls and Insuldeck structural roof resulting in a hyper-insulted structure that also exceeds Florida Building Code hurricane wind pressure requirements.
USGBC LEED Platinum plaque
A central cupola with operable windows provides ample natural light to the main living areas and allows for effective natural ventilation. The strong focus on energy efficiency by design in combination with the installation of a PV system resulted in a HERS rating of -4 for this LEED Platinum certified home.
PV panels resulting in a -4 HERS score
Further energy conserving measures include a high albedo exterior, LED lighting throughout, high efficiency fixtures, including a hyper insulted refrigerator and energy star impact doors and windows.
Interior view under cupola
Water conservation measures include low flow fixtures and an extensive water collection system utilizing a 4000 gallon underground rain harvesting system. The collected water is utilized for a fully edible landscape design; a natural pool completes the site layout.
water tanks being installed
Other sustainable features include finished concrete floors with recessed shower and bedroom floors leveled during installation to minimize construction waste. Wood alternative bamboo flooring was installed in the bedrooms and reclaimed wood counters and furniture are used in the kitchen and living areas which also features a living wall with live moss.
view of kitchen, entry and live moss wall feature
The 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home was designed with future adaptability of use by simply erecting one wall – converting the current office/den into 3rd bedroom. The design was also influenced by Vastu principles and has been treated to reduce electromagnetic currents.
convertible 3rd bedroom