Bowerbird Design leads the way in sustainable living, specializing in energy-efficient homes that blend comfort, style, and environmental responsibility. Their focus on Passive House certification and Net-Zero Energy status ensures each project minimizes environmental impact while reducing energy costs, making them as kind to the planet as they are to your wallet.
The visionary behind Bowerbird Design, Michael Cockram, grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas. A musician at heart, he was drawn to Fayetteville’s vibrant music scene and a strong sense of community. His passion for sustainable architecture led him to the University of Oregon, where he earned a master’s degree in its renowned design program. After returning to Fayetteville, Michael honed his skills through an internship at the office of the legendary architect, Fay Jones. He later returned to Oregon to teach and write for architecture magazines, advocating for the beauty and practicality of sustainable design. Michael’s mission is clear: to prove that energy-efficient homes can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Designing a net-zero energy home goes beyond adding solar panels; it involves smart design choices that maximize energy efficiency. At Bowerbird Design, the approach is rooted in Passive House principles. These homes focus on extreme energy efficiency, airtight construction, super-insulated walls, and high-performance windows to reduce energy needs. Advanced ventilation systems with heat recovery maintain a comfortable indoor climate year-round without traditional heating or cooling. These strategies drastically reduce energy demand, allowing homes to be all-electric and powered by renewable energy sources, with no reliance on fossil fuels. A prime example is the Elkins project, a 3,500-square-foot home built for three generations. The home is net-energy positive, producing 108% of its energy needs. Although built to Passive House standards, it wasn’t formally certified because the owners opted out. This project marked Bowerbird’s first Passive House system, showcasing their ability to combine efficiency, beauty, and sustainability.
For those interested in designing a net-zero energy home, Michael offers practical advice. Start by ensuring your home is as airtight as possible, with super insulation and triple-pane windows that maintain a stable temperature year-round. Airtight membranes and special tape seal every joint, preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Efficiency is key—opt for LED lighting, heat pump water heaters (3-4 times more efficient than traditional models), and heat pump dryers, which keep warm air inside the building. To maximize energy savings, orient the home to capture passive solar energy by placing windows to the south and using thermal mass, like concrete floors, to store and release solar heat. While these energy-efficient features may add 5-10% to construction costs, they save thousands in energy bills over time as utility costs rise. Moreover, these homes offer superior air quality due to an efficient ventilation heat exchanger, temperature stability, and overall comfort, making them healthier and more enjoyable to inhabit.
Creating a high-performance home requires attention to materials, weather conditions, and system integration. Bowerbird Design's commitment to sustainable architecture ensures that each project isn’t just about building a home but creating a long-term solution to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. With the right balance of passive design, efficient systems, and renewable energy, sustainable living is achievable and beautiful.
Michael encourages everyone to explore the Passive House Institute’s requirements to understand the benefits of this building standard. This information can be found at: https://www.phius.org/. By diving into these resources, you'll gain valuable insights into how Passive House principles can transform the way we build and live sustainably.