DRAW and the homeowners set a goal of creating a truly efficient, LEED Platinum certified home that was clean, modern and filled with natural light. It's easy to say "we're going green" but it's a challenging endeavor to set a goal of Net Zero in the Midwest climate (The home is in Leawood, KS).

The design team's strategy was to focus on achieving high performance in the key areas of human and environmental health. These areas included: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor air quality.

Due to a compromised foundation, the former house was deconstructed and 82% of all materials were recycled or repurposed. A consulting arborist developed a detailed Tree Protection Plan which influence all aspects of the design and construction to preserve fragile mature tree roots. A ground source heat pump provides heating, cooling and hot water, saving around 50% of energy costs over standard furnace systems. In addition to R-40 Structural Insulated Panel Systems (SIPs), energy-efficient windows with an R6 and higher rating were used. To further reduce strain on the existing power grid, a 4 KW solar panel system was integrated into the concrete tile roof, while a rainwater catchment system provides irrigation for low-maintenance  native plantings.

The Williams York Residence was the first privately-funded, LEED Platinum, single-family home in the state of Kansas and achieved a 5+ Home Energy Rating System score.