How it Works

Natural simplicity and the sustainability of nature are the focus of Kezar Homes. Less is More!

It Starts with a Plan

In order to produce an excellent home that you can enjoy all year long, Kezar Homes building materials are selected under strict eco-friendly standards, combined carefully and presented in a simple way, for being closer to living off the grid.

The science behind our design is simple: minimize surface area while maximizing floor space, sustainable materials, insulation, passive solar heat gain, natural ventilation and light.

Deciding What You Need

In order to design and price the right home for you, we’ll just need to know your wish list.

Once we have that, we’ll be able to come up with an optimal balance given your wishes.

Some things to start thinking about now include…

Size vs Economy

Security vs Openness

Maintenance budgets

Light vs Dark

Number of Bedrooms

Number of Bathrooms

Interior & Exterior Finishes

Simple Natural Design

We need energy conservation, decreasing the demand.

Follow nature. It knows the way.

The Ice Burn Effect. The sun, passing through ice/glass, can “burn” the grass/home below.

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1st floor plan (heat source)

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Section (heat source)

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kezarhomes-natural-design-platform

Solar design for utilization-protection in winter-summer (correction 2)

Section (sun exposure 22 aug 3pm)

Section (sun exposure 20feb 830am)

1st floor plan (sun exposure 22aug 3pm)

Sun path chart TB with KH1500

Kezarhomes 1500 from living room

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View Explanations and Definitions

Preliminary Design Drawings

This includes the suggested material lists for windows, doors, roofing, siding, drywall, flooring, millwork trim and proposed bathroom and kitchen layouts. We will grant to the Purchaser a limited, non-exclusive license to utilize the Preliminary Design Drawings to engage the services of a local registered architect or licensed engineer to prepare all plans, computations and specifications required for a construction permit application. Some jurisdictions allow single family home owners to prepare their own house plans for construction of their private residences. Please check the requirements of your local municipality for details. We will also grant the construct one (1) Kezar Home.

Wood Framing

This includes the Preliminary Design Drawings option, as well as prefabricated roof trusses/framing assembly, prefabricated “rough-framed” wall panels for framing, fastening hardware and step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the prefabricated “rough-framed” system.

Please note that the “wood framing” kit will be strictly limited to “rough framed” prefabricated wood panels/trusses/framing, with associated hardware to assemble the rough framing of the structure, and will not include any other items such as site work, foundation work, masonry work, concrete work, finishes, heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical.

The Evolution of a Kezar Homes Kit:

Common Questions

What are the advantages of our design compared to traditional ways of building?

We use conventional materials innovatively. Our concept is to use standard, proven, simple, “environmentally friendly” building materials in an energy efficient, long term cost-savings way.

How long do your homes take to build?

Being that standard, conventional construction techniques are used, the time of construction is similar to the time of construction of a “typical” home.

Does the climate matter where these homes are built?

No, as long as they are modified to fit local building codes.

What is the total cost per square foot for the completed homes?

Selection and pricing of materials, labor, supervision, etc. constantly change with time and location. A rough budgetary starting price would be approx. $130.00 per square foot for an “economy” home.

What type of foundation can be used?

Being that these homes use standard construction practices, most foundations, including basement foundations, will work well.

Are southern overhangs adjusted for different locations?

Overhangs are adjusted for locations, for minimized sun in summer and maximized sun in winter.

Can French doors be substituted for sliding glass doors?

Yes, but I would recommend door closers to dampen effects of strong winds. French doors usually have less glass per square foot than sliding glass doors, and therefore would let less sun in.

Can I use a metal roof instead of shingles?

It’s my opinion that metal roofs come with noise during expansion/contraction, and while raining. But metal roofs are durable and have advantages in ice damming areas. Kezar Homes are very flexible when it comes to construction materials, and can accept most roofing/siding systems.

How easy is it to modify the home after it is built?

The homes are easy to modify being that standard, conventional construction techniques are used.

Are there any catalogs?

Our website serves as our catalog.

Where do the homes ship from?

Our prefab passive solar home kits are fabricated in local “wood truss/wall panel manufacturing plants” near your site.

Where can a Kezar Home been seen?

To date, one is completed in New Jersey, as shown on the website. Visitors are welcome.