When Josh Oqueli of Bonsai Design Build set out to create his new office and home space on Stout Street in historic Curtis Park, he wanted to showcase how high-performance building principles and striking architectural design could coexist beautifully. The result is a testament to how modern sustainable building practices can enhance both comfort and aesthetics.
Drawing from his extensive experience as both an Architect and builder, Oqueli incorporated passive house principles throughout the project while maintaining bold design elements, including a stunning 19-foot accordion door system on the northwest façade topped by an expansive window array that spans the entire width of the building.
“Comfort is huge for us,” Oqueli explains. “We build energy-efficient homes for our clients, and we wanted to apply those same high-performance principles to our own space.” The project showcases how Bonsai Design Build practices what they preach, implementing the same sustainable building science they recommend to their clients.
Partners in Passive House Design
Working closely with AE Building Systems, a trusted partner for over a decade, Bonsai developed a comprehensive building envelope strategy. The wall assembly features 2×6 construction with R-19 batt insulation, enhanced by R-10 zip-r exterior insulation/sheathing. The Alpen Tyrol window package, carefully selected in collaboration with AE Building Systems, achieves impressive R-6 to R-7 values, significantly exceeding standard window performance and code.
The air sealing details demonstrate Bonsai’s commitment to excellence. Using SIGA Majrex for interior air sealing, the team meticulously addressed every potential air leakage point. As a result, they were able to achieve a remarkable 1.3 ACH50 in the final blower door test, despite the inherent challenges presented by the architectural accordion door system. As a general rule of thumb, bifold or accordion-style doors are unfortunately fairly leaky.
Comfort & Function in Mechanical Systems
The mechanical systems reflect the project’s forward-thinking approach. Ducted mini-splits with exposed ductwork create an industrial-chic aesthetic while providing efficient heating and cooling. An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) ensures superior indoor air quality, underlining the project’s focus on occupant health and comfort.
“We spend 90% of our time in buildings, and too often, they’re neither healthy nor comfortable,” Oqueli notes. “But it doesn’t have to be that way. When homes are built right, they can be both healthy and comfortable while minimizing environmental impact.”
The long-standing collaboration between Bonsai Design Build and AE Building Systems played a crucial role in the project’s success. “Todd at AE has been instrumental in helping design the window package,” Oqueli shares. “Having access to their knowledge and American-made products from manufacturers like Alpen has been invaluable.”
This project exemplifies how thoughtful collaboration between designers and building experts can create spaces that are both environmentally responsible and architecturally striking. The Stout Street project in Denver stands as a great example of modern sustainable building practices, demonstrating that energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and bold design can work in harmony.
For AE Building Systems, working with forward-thinking firms like Bonsai Design Build represents the future of sustainable construction – where high-performance, building science, and innovative design combine to create spaces that are not just beautiful but healthy, comfortable, and environmentally responsible.
To learn more about incorporating high-performance building elements into your next project, contact AE Building Systems and learn how we can help you create a home that helps you meet your biggest goals.
