Given what we know about human beings, how should a house be?

This is the ultimate question and discovering the answer is our obsession.

Five evidence-based principles are our answer. They have been proven to improve the peace and well-being of a house’s occupants. They are non-negotiable and integral to the form of every FRED house.

No. 1

Capture the influence of natural light, natural air and natural things; these have been consistently proven to increase mental and physical health, and increase feelings of peace and happiness.

Invite nature

  • Proper site orientation

  • Indoor/outdoor connection

  • courtyards

  • natural materials

  • strategically placed operable windows

  • intentional indoor planting locations

Prioritize gathering spaces over sleeping spaces, inviting moments of real, meaningful connection.

Encourage connection

No. 2

  • Gathering spaces sized and oriented to allow maximum flexibility in use

  • Right-sized and functional sleeping spaces allow square footage to be used in gathering spaces where life happens

Honor simplicity

No. 3

Revere simple, refined forms and avoid the ostentatious.

  • timeless gable forms

  • natural materials

No. 4

Celebrate conservation

Create efficient, durable, right-sized spaces and couple them with materials and systems that reduce energy consumption and operating costs long-term.

  • efficient windows and doors

  • heating and cooling systems exceed average efficiency ratings

  • sealed insulation

  • regionally specific natural materials

  • technology that monitors and adjusts efficient systems

No. 5

Respect order

Foster orderly living by considering where things go and planning space for them.

  • ample built-in storage throughout house