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The Sun-Powered Yin Yang House in Los Angeles

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What an intriguing shape this house has! Planters are stepped up next to the stairs. In the angled room behind it is the mechanical systems room.

It was designed by Brooks + Scarpa who have been exceeding LEED platinum goals in their houses for more than a decade.

The Yin Yang house produces its entire electricity needs from a 12 KW installation of solar panels on the roof, here used to double as a shading device for the porch below.

It was designed for a growing family who wanted a calm, relaxed and organized environment that emphasizes family space.

Ample public rooms on the ground floor encourage the family to enjoy life together.

The street front is very private and walled off, but upon entering through the steel door on the right, guests enter an open and natural space.

Protection from the intense heat of the western sun is provided by a second buffered courtyard. In winter, a radiant floor heating system keeps the polished concrete floor snug.

The style is cool and hip, youthful and contemporary, almost industrial.

The firm long ago adopted the 2030 challenge to make all buildings net zero, as its standard practice, even when clients don’t specify it.

A green roof over the open living space provides a ‘pocket lawn’ view from bedrooms upstairs, while cooling beneath it.

Sustainable materials such as bamboo, composite stone, and recycled finishes sit easily in the natural unfussy spaces.

Since it was finished several years ago, it has never generated a power bill, making it a Net Zero house.