Sarasota Couple's Sustainable Home Earns Top Ratings

The Element House blends modern design with energy-efficient features to create an eco-friendly oasis.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:50pm

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For years, Lisa and Dan Barzel have been passionate about the environment, with Dan even collecting discarded bottles and cans on his daily commute. That commitment is reflected in their Sarasota home, the Element House, which is one of the highest-rated sustainable homes in the United States. The home's design, by Solstice Planning and Architecture, emphasizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and a harmonious relationship with the surrounding ecosystem.

Why it matters

The Element House showcases how sustainable design can create beautiful, comfortable homes that are also environmentally responsible. Its accolades, including LEED Platinum certification and one of the lowest HERS ratings ever recorded in Florida, demonstrate that high-performance homes are achievable and set a new standard for residential construction in the region.

The details

The Element House's exterior blends seamlessly with its waterfront setting, using roof overhangs, energy-efficient windows, and natural materials to create a home that feels like a natural extension of its surroundings. Inside, the home is filled with natural light and designed to maximize cross-ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. The home also features a highly efficient HVAC system, a rainwater harvesting system, and a rooftop solar array.

  • The Element House was completed in 2020.
  • The home's resilience was tested in 2024 when historic storms hit the Sarasota area, with the elevated living spaces remaining unharmed.
  • The American Institute of Architects Tampa Bay honored the project with its Sustainability Award in 2020.

The players

Lisa Barzel

Co-owner of the Element House and a passionate advocate for sustainable living.

Dan Barzel

Co-owner of the Element House, with a background in architecture, construction, and business administration, who was deeply involved in the home's design and engineering.

Solstice Planning and Architecture

The architectural firm behind the Element House project, founded by Jonathan Parks, which specializes in sustainable design.

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What they’re saying

“It's about creating spaces that preserve resources while inspiring love and respect for the environment.”

— Jonathan Parks, Founder, Solstice Planning and Architecture

“I wanted you to feel like you're outside, inside. We love Florida—being here under the blue skies—and the beauty of it all.”

— Lisa Barzel

“The house wasn't hurt. It was everything below the living level.”

— Dan Barzel

What’s next

The Barzels plan to continue hosting community events and educational workshops at the Element House to showcase sustainable living practices.

The takeaway

The Element House proves that high-performance, eco-friendly homes can be both beautiful and comfortable, setting a new standard for residential construction in Sarasota and beyond. Its success highlights the growing demand for sustainable design solutions that work in harmony with the local environment.