Alys Beach House

Located on the Gulf of Mexico with miles of scenic beach, the Alys Beach Courtyard House was constructed as part of a sustainable urbanist town that envisioned a walkable coastal community with sophisticated architecture.

Drawing inspiration from Antigua, Bermuda, and Guatemala, the design features white stucco walls and white-ridged roofs. Yet unlike the traditional designs, the house features state-of-the-art solar energy systems that use photovoltaic cells to produce electricity for the house and routes extra electricity back to the grid.

The traditional shaded arcade, integral with the courtyard form, aids with cooling the house. Operable clerestory windows introduce natural light and ventilation into traditionally dark and unvented interior rooms. Well-insulated concrete walls add thermal and acoustic performance while geothermal heating and cooling helps the house achieve energy use that is 57% below code.