I am not, nor have ever been, a big design gal. My “personal style” is generally slovenly, a mix of Goodwill grab bag meets hobo market. My apartment is decorated with a fascinating mix of thrift store pillows and bachelor-y piles of books that I need to read.

Slobby as I may be, I can appreciate smart ideas (like environmental sustainability) in pretty packages. And this month’s Dwell magazine introduced me to a concept that even I can get behind. In an article about Thomas Robertson’s Courtyard House in Los Angeles, writer David A. Greene coined the phrase, “[p]assive is the new active”, describing Robertson’s intelligent utilization of passive design features to reduce energy consumption.

Built specifically for L.A.’s temperate climate (halariously described by Greene as “90 percent awesome, 10 percent apocalypse”), Robertson’s house design incorporates an open courtyard, an updated version of a Spanish hacienda. Stucco walls, metal roof and concrete floors moderate heat, while roof overhangs and windows control sunshine exposure and encourage natural ventilation (removing the need for air-conditioning).

These passive design features are site-specific, working with local climate features to create a comfortable dwelling space.
So, although my small scale Grinch-gritty heart tends to be cautious of celebrating pretty things, I can’t help but love the simplicity of Robertson’s design. Yes, it’s true - even a fancy house can get my grumpy seal of approval.

Now, in the spirit of true passivity: can I take advantage of my own design specifications (i.e. laziness) and take a nap?

(Photo: Dwell magazine)