Duvivier has spearheaded public and professional education on the impact of human behavior on urban watersheds. The home has been visited by thousands during construction and since completion two years ago. The project is spawning a neighborhood-wide green infrastructure movement and has been widely published including in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and Green Source Magazine. One of the project’s greatest achievements is controlling how and where water is distributed/reused and making infrastructure visible.

100% of storm water is collected in cisterns to be reused, or in swales to allow for infiltration. A graywater system irrigates riparian trees. The gardens support local wildlife, orchards and farming. All water systems are visually prominent to provide opportunities for discussion and learning. This net-zero energy house is passive solar, relying on natural lighting and ventilation, energy efficiency, and a 4 K solar array. Additionally this project is a model at re-use and waste reduction, by using materials in an innovative manner.

The stair treads, door jambs and bookshelves are made from reclaimed 100-year-old 2x4s and the old wooden lath is repurposed into a treehouse and conference room table.