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Backman Residence

Emigration Canyon, Utah

The Backman Residence is a home for an active family of 4 who have set high standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The process of designing their home was one of creating a home that would support this ethic. Their love of the outdoors drew them to this remarkable setting with spectacular views, solar access for energy production, comfort and gardens, as well as access to recreation just outside their door.

Design

• Open communal spaces coupled with options for privacy
• Inspiring by mountain setting
• Efficient flow of spaces
• Spaces which suit interests of music, family gathering, outdoor living
• Oriented for views and passive solar

Site

• Scenic hillside in Emigration Canyon
• High elevation with dry climate
• Steep slope construction
• Protection of existing vegetation and landscape throughout construction
• Detached garage eliminates contaminants entering the home.

Materials

• Tight envelope SIP walls & roof
• Salvaged wood siding & wood posts.
• Recycled content composite decking
• Bamboo, cork and concrete flooring.
• Durable, low maintenance exterior.

Interior quality

• Low-VOC paints, stains and finishes
• Operable windows for climate and fresh air control
• Hard cleanable surfaces
• Breathable wall system

Energy & Water efficiency

• Passive solar
• Cooling by natural ventilation.
• South facing orientation
• Energy efficient lighting coupled with daylighting strategies to minimize electric use.
• Properly sized overhangs.
• Light colored roof surface to reduce overheating
• Radiant Heat floors
• Solar Hot Water Panels
• Open plan combo with high-efficiency/low emission fireplace
• On-demand water heater
• Low-e windows throughout
• Cistern for rainwater and wastewater capture for garden
• Xeriscaped landscape.
• Permeable driveway to reduce stormwater runoff

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