What is the Emerson Street House?

People ask me this all the time. First of all, it’s my home – where I eat, sleep, and breath. Where I create and study and learn. Studio and office. And my working model of sustainable living in my OWN community.

The intent the Emerson Street House (ESH) is to have a small footprint in energy, materials, and impact both on the planet and Northeast Portland, Or.  A “passive house,” “net zero” – industry mumbo-jumbo for a house that produces more energy than it uses was the original target. As the house has been constructed,  I have learned some hard lessons about passive homes, certifications, trust, and building in a minimalist way. As the ESH continues to evolve, I’m working with contractors and suppliers to determine best practices going forward and making my voice known in the traditional green building industry.

The ESH has been created with the intention of serving the community. The main building at ESH is a multipurpose space – an artists gallery, venue, a children’s library, a music stage. Where everyone belongs and everyone is welcome, regardless.

As I bring this endeavor together, I aspire the ESH to be a model for community invigoration, through art, design, design, compassion, and service. To show what we do has a global impact, we are working with the Living Foundation.

Thank you for visiting. I hope to see you at Emerson Street House, very soon.

– Diane Freaney- – founder