5 Products Used in a Net-Positive Family Home in Alexandria

Green building is gaining traction, but a home in Alexandria, Va. takes it further. Built by Washington, D.C.-based Thorsen Construction and designed by Virginia-based architecture firm Cedar Architecture, this 8,500-square-foot custom home is not only Passive House certified—it also offers net-positive performance, sending power back to the grid.

Every material, appliance, and fixure was carefully thought through. In this edition of The Rundown, we highlight the key selections that brought this home together.

Modified Wood Cladding

For the home's exterior, the team sought wood cladding that could stand up to the elements, while aging with character. They chose Kebony Character, known for its intense graining and made with the company's dually modified wood technology to make it stronger and more durable for the long haul.

According to Kebony, the cladding offers an eco-friendly alternative to hardwoods sourced from more vulnerable forest types. The product is FSC certified, supporting the project's broader sustainability goals.

Recycled Brick

The project incorporated fired masonry brick from Green Leaf Brick, made with 100% recycled content, of which up to 31% is post-consumer, offering a more sustainable alternative over traditional brick. Materials are locally sourced and carefully selected to balance recycled content with strong ceramic properties, the company says.

The bricks come in multiple colorways—including Elizabeth, Hadley, Black Walnut, Robin Red, and more—and in a number of sizes with customizable textures and patterns.

Handcrafted Windows

Handcrafted triple-glazed windows from L oewen can be found throughout the home. They come in a variety of forms, including casing windows, picture windows, and double/single hung, and are built using traditional joinery methods.

The windows can be customizable to suit any project, with casings offered in a number of wood stain finishes and colorways as well.

Behind the scenes, Loewen’s manufacturing process reflects a broader commitment to material stewardship. The company recycles wood waste and unused metals, reuses cutoffs for plant heating, and engineers its wood components to minimize waste.

Smart Lighting

Through Lutron’s HomeWorks Automation System, the homeowners are able to manage lighting throughout the 8,500-square-foot home—furthering their energy savings. The comprehensive systems gives homeowners control over lighting and shading and can also be integrated with security and entertainment systems.

The system provides precise control of light levels, allowing homeowners to create unique moods and settings throughout the home depending on their use.

Kitchen Appliances

All the appliances found throughout the home are from Sub-Zero Group’s Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove brands. The convection speed oven shown here combines the speed of a microwave with the power of convection cooking, making it easy for the whole family to use. It can also be installed into surrounding cabinetry and paired with other built-in Wolf appliances for better efficiency in the kitchen.

All appliances used in this paricular project are also Energy Star rated, adding to the home's energy efficiency.

To learn more about this home, read the full case study.

This article is the second installment of The Rundown, our series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the products that went into creating designer spaces. You can also read the first article in this series, which details the products that went into creating a luxury wellness space.