Image Credit: Gardner Architects LLC

Net Zero II - Woodside

Silver Spring, Maryland.  Gardner Architects LLC.

Located in the historic Woodside neighborhood of Silver Spring, Maryland, this project replaced an aging structure with a next-generation, custom modern residence engineered for net-zero energy performance.

The Objective To tear down an underperforming existing structure on a highly constrained lot in Silver Spring's Woodside neighborhood, and erect a new, custom modern residence capable of achieving net-zero energy performance.

The Site Conundrums & Design Solutions

  • Topography & Stormwater:

    • The Challenge: The natural, logical placement for the home, and one that was narrowly prescribed by the Zoning envelope, was unfortunately at the low point of the property, where runoff accumulates.

    • The Solution: An innovative, site-wide micro-urban stormwater architecture strategy that safely manages water on-site while protecting the home's foundation.

  • Zoning & Footprint:

    • The Challenge: Restrictive local zoning codes strictly capped the building's footprint on a highly compact urban lot.

    • The Solution: A super efficient open plan that balances interior volume with dedicated outdoor gathering spaces, making the footprint feel expansive.

  • Solar Access vs. Tree Canopy:

    • The Challenge: Capturing enough solar energy to fuel a net-zero home while preserving the site’s beautiful, mature native tree cover.

    • The Solution: Precision solar path modeling used to sculpt the home’s orientation and roof geometries, optimizing active photovoltaic capture alongside passive solar daylighting strategies.

Rooted in a commitment to environmental stewardship and a healthy home environment, the Woodside residence pairs an ultra-tight, high-performance building envelope with advanced HVAC systems. By balancing density, topography, and renewable technology, the project establishes a resilient new benchmark for modern, high-performance urban infill.

Project Team:

  • Gardner Architects LLC - Architect

  • Linton Engineering - Structural Engineer

  • Jordan Honeyman - Landscape Architect

  • CAS Engineering - Civil Engineer

  • Geotech Engineers Inc - Geotechnical Engineer

  • Thom Marston / Energy Services Group - Energy Modeling

  • John Coventry Lighting - Lighting Design

  • Taylor Concepts - General Contractor

  • American Power & Light - Photovoltaic Solar Path Modeling