In tandem with extra tall doors and windows at the east side that capture expansive views, daytime light and reflections, there are three large roof dormers that bring in high western evening light. Visible from the street level above the site, the large dormers animate the roofscape below and frame the Topatopas beyond. Smaller openings face the west with a close up view of a rock wall that slopes up to street level. The house stays camouflaged in the landscape with few openings on the street side and painted in colors of vegetation and national parks.

To protect from extreme daily temperature variations and excess solar gain there are large overhangs shading the eastern openings. The overhangs, along with natural daylighting strategies, radiant heat in the floor slab, solar power, heavily insulated walls, doors and windows, as well as minimal southern and western exposures, demonstrate a dedicated effort toward energy conservation. Enclosed eaves, a metal roof with no venting and sealed construction contribute to fire resilience along with the cement siding and concrete base.