The house is the first of ten homes (two designed for Habitat for Humanity), planned for a new sustainable community near downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. Hays and Ewing formed the Rivanna Collaborative with three other colleagues to plan and develop this community founded on ecologically intelligent design and construction.

The house, completed in 2007, is located at the end of a linear common garden. High ceilings and an open plan optimize space in this 2000 SF house. Solar thermal panels atop the roof heat hot water from the sun and rainwater is collected in a cistern. Additionally, spray foam insulation in the walls, low-e windows and passive solar design ensure this house is highly energy efficient.

• Award of Excellence, Virginia Society of the AIA 2009
• C-Ville: You Me and Green