A sampling of built projects and architectural designs in progress — highlighting residential new construction, additions, renovations, and ADUs.
Click on an image to see additional views in gallery format.
ZNE Passive Solar Home
New Construction
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How does passive solar work?
Passive solar design harnesses the power of the sun to heat the building naturally in winter, while preventing overheating in summer. In contrast to "active" solar photovoltaic panels, passive solar relies entirely on the basic design and orientation of the house, and requires no mechanical or electrical components. Not a technological band-aid, it is inherently part of the structure.
How it works: Plentiful windows are concentrated on the south exposure to allow maximum access to the sun's rays. Low-angled winter sun penetrates deep into the narrow footprint and is absorbed by the thermal mass of concrete or tile flooring. Later, as temperatures drop at night, the stored energy is radiated back to the rooms as heat. To prevent summer overheating, carefully calibrated overhangs block out the steep-angled rays. This all-natural system is ideally suited to our temperate Central Coast climate, but can be of benefit even in more extreme conditions.
Entryway
Exterior materials were chosen not simply for their beauty. Smooth stucco, corrugated and flat panel steel, slate, and stained concrete require practically no maintenance and are wildfire resistant as well.
Roof Garden Planter
The entry features a small roof garden with planter, as a means to incorporate the landscaping into the structure itself.
Indoor/Outdoor Connection
Stained concrete patios extend directly from corresponding indoor spaces, and the lines of the hearth and interior stairs flow seamlessly to the exterior -- tying indoors and outdoors together.
Main living spaces of this Passive Solar home
An open floorplan and abundant glazing allow the home to feel larger than its 1900 square feet. The main floor of the house features large expanses of south-facing windows to capture solar energy and provide a strong visual and spatial link between indoor spaces and corresponding outdoor patios. The exposed concrete floor acts as a heat sink to absorb solar energy during the day, then releases it slowly to warm the space after nightfall; without a proper heat sink, interior spaces can become uncomfortably hot in full sunlight, even during the winter.
[3D rendering from CADD program]
Living Room Fireplace and Hearth
Materials, forms, and matching indoor/outdoor planters blur the distinction between interior and exterior space. A simple palette of earth-tone materials with crisp, clean detailing evokes a feeling of serenity throughout.
Kitchen Cabinetry
Sustainable materials used in the home include bamboo and recycled plastic soda bottles for cabinet fronts. The stain for the concrete floor is a simple garden additive which, unlike most types of concrete stain, is completely non-toxic. In fact, it is used to supply important nutrients to plants.
Stair Hall with Built-in Shelves
This stair hall is more than simply a circulation zone, it is a room unto itself. It features a window seat at the mid landing and built-in shelving on both sides to showcase favorite books and photos. Shelves, stairs, and handrail are all made of solid bamboo lumber.
Family Room with AV Cabinet
Upstairs, a light-filled family room leads onto the carport roof deck, with views over the city. A built-in AV cabinet hides away all the technology associated with the TV.
Family Room
Looking back towards the rest of the house, the family room offers a peek into the stair hall beyond.
Master Bedroom
Shoji-style sliding bamboo closet doors help foster a Zen-like calm in the master bedroom -- while efficiently hiding away generous amounts of storage.
Master Bath
Bamboo cabinets and slate ledger tile recall materials found elsewhere throughout the home, creating a sense of continuity and harmony. The master bath is compartmentalized to allow maximum flexibility of use for all members of the family.
Master Bath Shower
Custom tilework accentuates a shower niche and echoes slate ledger used elsewhere on the interior and exterior of the home.
Cutaway view
Square footage was intentionally restrained, both to conserve natural resources as well as to conserve the project budget for "quality over quantity." Although the house is smaller than the typical new house, individual spaces are enlivened and differentiated with varying floor and ceiling heights. Open and flowing spaces, long vistas, custom built-ins, and the variety of distinct volumes enrich the experience of the house, making it feel greater than its actual size.
Sun Study : Winter Solstice | December 21st
To ensure sufficient access to sunlight for winter coupled with effective overhangs for summer, I create animated 3D sun studies which draw upon actual sun position data for our latitude, for any given date and time. As I analyze the changing play of light and shadow across the building throughout the day and year, I can then make adjustments to the design if necessary for optimal results.
[See video link on main Portfolio page]
Rooftop solar PV completes the equation of Zero Net Energy
First and foremost, Zero Net Energy begins with designing for high efficiency to keep energy demand to a minimum. This house achieves the goal thanks to its passive solar design, insulation beyond code requirements, quality windows, and highly efficient equipment. The resulting low electrical demand can easily be met with a modest rooftop solar PV system. This 5.6 kW system is sized to power the house, an ADU, and an electric vehicle.
Rooted in its site
The house nestles itself into its gently sloping site. A generous second floor deck off the family room allows views over neighboring down-slope rooftops, across the city and to Cuesta Ridge beyond.
Indoor / Outdoor Planter
A replica Garden Sprite from Frank Lloyd Wright's demolished Midway Gardens keeps watch over the home from her perch in the living room's built-in planter. A corresponding outdoor planter just beyond the windows ties indoors and outdoors together visually.
Julie Clayton Architect
New Construction
ZNE Passive Solar Home
This custom San Luis home harnesses the power of sunlight to achieve a Zero Net Energy goal.
This custom San Luis home harnesses the power of sunlight to achieve a Zero Net Energy goal. Watch video.
Residential Remodel
Remodel + Addition
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Dining Room and Kitchen Remodel
The insertion of a structural beam allowed removal of the wall that had fully separated the galley kitchen from the dining room. The new opening's curved arch recalls the form of the original passageway between living room and dining room, in keeping with the character of this early 1940's house.
Dining Room and Kitchen Remodel
Compared to its predecessor, the new kitchen features an abundance of storage space -- including a full-height pantry cabinet next to the refrigerator.
Dining Room and Kitchen Remodel
Modern high-efficiency induction cooking is paired with cabinets and finishes which recall an earlier time.
Dining Room and Kitchen Remodel
Just beyond the kitchen, a new entry vestibule addition leads out to the side yard and bathes the kitchen in natural light.
Entry Vestibule Addition
A banquette with storage and painted wood paneling bring character to the new entry vestibule.
Living Room Renovation
The living room fireplace got a makeover, as did the lighting in the room. Interior design credits to Tana Mattson of Altstadt Interiors, altstadtinteriors.com.
Bathroom Remodel
A serene newly-renovated guest bath replaces a very outdated one, which had been the only bathroom in the house prior to remodeling.
Bathroom Remodel
The completely remodeled guest bathroom boasts a generous custom shower stall, where once had been a bright cranberry-colored tub.
Laundry Remodel
A new laundry closet was carved out of storage space in the hallway, conveniently located just outside the bedrooms. The existing laundry space had been off the kitchen, quite a distance away.
Laundry Remodel
Stacked full-size washer and dryer are hidden away behind the sliding barn door.
Master Bath Addition
Making use of space that had formerly been the laundry room, a spacious new master bath was added -- increasing the number of bathrooms in the house to two.
Master Bath Addition
Like the remodeled guest bath, the new master bath features a generous custom shower.
Master Bath Addition
Tiled niche beneath a frosted glass privacy window.
Exterior Remodel with Porch Addition
The exterior of the house was updated with new detailing, a side entry vestibule, and a welcoming new front porch.
Front Facade -- Before Remodel
The existing front entry porch was quite small, just room enough for one person to stand out of the rain.
Exterior Remodel with Porch Addition
Craftsman-style detailing was added to the main front window, with similar detailing at the new side-yard entry vestibule.
Entry Vestibule Addition
The new side entry gives direct access to outdoor dining at the side yard, as well as to the new ADU out back.
Garage Conversion ADU
A view towards the ADU from the side yard of the house. The two structures share matching exterior finishes and detailing to promote a sense of continuity.
Julie Clayton Architect
Remodel + Addition
Residential Remodel
A large open kitchen, a new master bath, and an exterior makeover refresh this 1940's home in San Luis Obispo.
A large open kitchen, a new master bath, and an exterior makeover refresh this 1940's home in San Luis Obispo.
Garage Conversion ADU
Remodel + Addition
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Garage -- Before Remodel
The exterior wall and roof structure of the garage, including the stucco and shingles, were kept for the ADU conversion. Insulation and structural retrofits were done on the interior, along with a new floor slab installed at a higher elevation to be above the flood plain.
Garage Conversion ADU
An early design model illustrates the concept for converting the existing one-car garage into a studio ADU, with a small side addition to house the kitchen.
Garage Conversion ADU
A view towards the ADU from the side yard of the house. The two structures share matching exterior finishes and detailing to promote a sense of continuity.
Garage Conversion ADU
The all-electric studio ADU features a living/sleeping area, full bath, and full (mini) kitchen, all within 235 square feet.
Garage Conversion ADU
Within its 5' wide addition, the small but mighty kitchen includes a two-burner induction cooktop, mini fridge, microwave with exhaust vent, and sink.
Garage Conversion ADU
The ADU's compact bathroom receives natural daylighting from a high window in the shower.
Garage Conversion ADU
Custom tile niche detailing.
Julie Clayton Architect
Remodel + Addition
Garage Conversion ADU
A one-car garage is transformed into a 235 sq.ft. studio apartment.
A one-car garage is transformed into a 235 sq.ft. studio apartment.
San Luis Studio ADU
New Construction
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San Luis Obispo ADU
The exterior of this studio ADU features low-maintenance, fire-resistive materials and drought-tolerant landscaping. The corrugated steel siding will rust until all surfaces are fully oxidized, then it will rust no further.
San Luis Obispo ADU
A compact, efficient layout with vaulted ceiling and plenty of daylight helps this small ADU feel more spacious.
San Luis Obispo ADU
Generous glazing creates a welcoming, light-filled space.
Julie Clayton Architect
New Construction
SLO Studio ADU
This 350 sq.ft. studio ADU packs a lot into a small footprint.
This 350 sq.ft. studio ADU packs a lot into a small footprint.
One-Bedroom ADU
New Construction
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New Construction ADU
This one-bedroom ADU will provide a comfortable home for the client's aging mother, allowing her to be close by and yet independent.
Passive Solar Design
The interior of the ADU features exposed concrete floors and eye-catching stained wood ceilings. On winter days, the concrete floor absorbs the sun's energy, slowly radiating that energy in the evening to help warm the space; the high summer sun is blocked out by carefully-sized overhangs, helping to keep the space cooler during those months.
A Small Space that Lives Large
Cathedral ceilings and generously-sized windows allow gentle natural light to flood the living spaces. Thanks to the volume and open layout, the ADU feels much larger than its actual square footage.
ADU Full Bathroom
The bathroom shares the exposed concrete floors of the rest of the ADU, and features a high window to let in natural daylight while still safeguarding privacy.
Julie Clayton Architect
New Construction
One-Bedroom ADU
This 500 sq.ft. one-bedroom ADU will provide independent living for the client's mother.
This 500 sq.ft. one-bedroom ADU will provide independent living for the client's mother.
Atascadero ADU
New Construction
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Atascadero ADU
The exterior palette features board-and-batten Hardieboard siding, cedar, and stained concrete -- for low-maintenance convenience and fire-resistant peace of mind.
Atascadero ADU
A corner kitchen window offers a convenient pass-through to the patio just outside.
Atascadero ADU
The ADU consists of two offset masses: the large, open great room (with living, dining, and kitchen) and the bedroom/bathroom wing. Both feature a small bay projection clad in cedar, which gives added functionality to the room but with minimal additional square footage.
Atascadero ADU
This cut-away view of the interior shows the 12' vaulted ceiling in the main living area. The sloped ceiling continues uninterrupted into the bedroom/bathroom wing to promote a sense of continuity.
Julie Clayton Architect
New Construction
Atascadero ADU
On a hillside of mature oaks, this 575 sq.ft. one-bedroom ADU sits comfortably among the trees.
On a hillside of mature oaks, this 575 sq.ft. one-bedroom ADU sits comfortably among the trees.
Los Osos ADU
New Construction
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Los Osos ADU
Early massing study of a proposed passive solar ADU with south-facing roof deck and solar panels.
Los-Osos-ADU-passive-solar
South-facing overhangs are designed to block out the heat gain of the summer sun, yet welcoming in the winter rays to help warm the interiors.
Julie Clayton Architect
New Construction
Los Osos ADU
Preliminary massing studies explore passive solar potential for a three-bedroom, two-bath ADU.
Preliminary massing studies explore passive solar potential for a three-bedroom, two-bath ADU.
Modern Makeover
Renovation
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Modernist Makeover: Before and After
A renovation only as deep as the exterior wall manages to completely transform a plain vanilla developer rowhouse -- squat, uninspired, and with too few windows -- into a soaring facade that floods the interior with natural light.
Modernist Makeover
The resulting facade emphasizes the vertical and maximizes natural daylighting
Julie Clayton Architect
Renovation
Modern Makeover
A modernist makeover transforms this vanilla developer facade, and bathes the interiors in abundant daylight.
A modernist makeover transforms this vanilla developer facade and bathes the interiors in abundant daylight.
The Four Elements
AIA DC Design Award
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Rowhouse Redux Design Competition
A hypothetical project on a real infill site in an historic district: to re-envision the traditional urban rowhouse for the twenty-first century. This was the challenge of a design competition sponsored by AIA DC and the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.
Rowhouse Redux
In a twist on the traditional rowhouse, the design is opened up at the center to create a private courtyard, bringing opportunities for daylight and ventilation into the heart of the home. Passive solar strategies supplement the mechanical system to warm the house in winter and minimize heat gain in summer.
The Four Elements
In addition to passive solar, the design incorporates sustainable practices such as a green roof, rainwater harvesting, and passive cooling through the stack effect. These combined strategies relate this urban home and its occupants intimately with the four elements: sun and rain, earth and wind.
Julie Clayton Architect
AIA DC Design Award
The Four Elements
Award-winning passive solar design celebrates aspects of earth and sun, wind and rain.
Award-winning passive solar design celebrates aspects of earth and sun, wind and rain.
Craftsman Conversion
Addition + Renovation
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"Cozy" Home in a Great Neighborhood
Situated in a leafy neighborhood just a short commute from downtown DC, this home had a great location but was much too small for the buyers and their growing family. Interior spaces were small and closed off from one another, and there was just one tiny bathroom.
Raising the Roof
The existing roof structure was removed, and an additional story and a half were inserted under a new gable roof. The increased square footage added two new bedrooms and a spacious modern bath on the second floor. The uppermost story, under sloped ceilings, provides quiet home office space for busy work-at-home professionals.
Dormer Close-Up
A dormer window over the new central stairway brings light into the heart of both upper floors.
Julie Clayton Architect
Addition + Renovation
Craftsman Conversion
Craftsman-inspired second story addition makes room for a growing family.
First floor remodel and Craftsman-inspired second story addition makes room for a growing family.
Historic District Rehab
Complete Remodel
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Historic District Revival
Greater U Street Historic District, once known as the “Black Broadway” of DC, had fallen into disrepair but has enjoyed a revitalization in recent years. Shown here is the historic Lincoln Theater, which hosted performances by such jazz greats as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and of course, neighborhood local Duke Ellington. A portion of the building I rehabbed is seen at left.
A Vintage Building in Need of Much TLC
Built originally as a large three-story house, the property was later partially converted to retail use, and modified with various unfortunate accretions and deletions over the years. Most alarmingly, the supporting masonry base for the central bay had been removed.
Structural Retrofit
Significant structural intervention was required: extensive foundation underpinning, steel bracing to shore up masonry walls and openings, new floor framing.
Structural Damage on Interior
Typical of many DC rowhouses from this era, the existing footings were inadequate to support building loads. The crack shown here, caused by settlement, ran from roof to foundation.
A Sad State of Damage and Disrepair
The building had suffered from decades of neglect: serious settlement problems, water infiltration, floor structure destroyed by leaky plumbing fixtures. To add further disgrace, the once-elegant home had been turned into a SRO rooming house, with a maze of cramped and awkward spaces.
Yes, We Do Windows
All 41 original windows were replaced with historically appropriate energy-conserving double hung models. What had originally been the main entry of the house – which was partially infilled and converted into a small window for the SRO use – was reinstated as an entry to upper level spaces.
Starting Fresh with a Clean Slate
On the interior, a new slab was poured, both upper floors were reframed, and the roof structure was reinforced. New steel columns and beams replaced an internal masonry wall in order to create a single unimpeded open space on each level. All plumbing and electrical systems were replaced in entirety.
Exterior Brickwork Restored to Historic Standards
The brick facade was largely repointed, a process which repairs or replaces mortar joints damaged by weathering over time. Working with guidance from the DC Historic Preservation Office, the joints were painstakingly stained as per the original.
A Striking Before-and-After
Nearing completion in this photo, the renovation's elegant new storefront bays can be seen along the U Street sidewalk, as well as the new masonry base for the central bay.
The Old is New Again
The newly renovated building, ready for tenants – no longer an eyesore on the corner of this prominent intersection.
Julie Clayton Architect
Complete Remodel
Historic District Rehab
A dilapidated flop house on a prominent corner in this historic district is given fresh new life as retail space.
A dilapidated flop house on a prominent corner in this historic district is given new life as retail space.
Urban Infill
New Construction
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Modern Detailing
The upper units feature a striking staircase consisting of solid wood treads cantilevered from a central steel support. The modern aesthetic is completed with steel cable railings.
Interior Materials
Warm natural materials -- wood floors, granite countertops -- are found throughout the interiors.
Penthouse Unit
The top units receive the benefit of double-height space in the living room, with tall expanses of window to bring in natural light.
The View from the Top
Loft space in the penthouse units provides guest accommodations or a sleek home office
Julie Clayton Architect
New Construction
Urban Infill
This modern seven-unit building takes cues from its neighbors to fit into a historic context.
This modern seven-unit building takes cues from its neighbors to fit into a historic context.
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