Business Details
Sustainable Architecture & Zero Net Energy Design in Davis, CA
Indigo-Hammond & Playle Architects has been pioneering sustainable architecture since the 1970s, establishing itself as a leader in zero net energy (ZNE) design and passive solar strategies. Our firm integrates art, architecture, and ecology to create buildings that harmonize with their environment while prioritizing human comfort and planetary health. With over five decades of experience, we have designed award-winning structures that passively harness natural light, ventilation, and thermal mass to minimize energy consumption. Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals who have shaped California's energy-efficient building codes and developed the first ZNE office building in Northern California. We specialize in fire-resilient construction, straw bale techniques, and bioregional design that respects local climate and culture.Our portfolio spans public safety facilities, animal shelters, residential projects, and civic spaces, all reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure spaces meet functional needs while embodying beauty and sustainability. Our work has earned recognition including the Passive Solar Pioneer Award and multiple regional design accolades. By combining time-tested methods with modern technology, we create buildings that remain functional during power outages and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Our mission remains rooted in demonstrating that green architecture can be both practical and aesthetically transformative.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Zero Net Energy Design
Fire Resilient Buildings
Straw Bale Construction
Natural Ventilation Systems
LEED Certification
Bioregional Design
Highlights and features
- Pioneers in passive solar design since the 1970s with 50+ years of ZNE expertise
- LEED-accredited professionals shaping California's energy-efficient building codes
- Specialists in fire-resilient construction for Western U.S. climates
- Innovators in natural ventilation systems reducing airborne disease transmission
- Leaders in straw bale construction and bioregional design principles
Associations and certifications
- LEED-Platinum
- Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Certified
Services
Zero Net Energy Design
Our zero net energy buildings balance annual energy consumption with on-site renewable generation through passive solar strategies. We optimize natural light, ventilation, and thermal mass to minimize mechanical system reliance while maintaining occupant comfort. This approach reduces operational costs and environmental impact through intelligent design rather than technology-heavy solutions.
Fire Resilient Construction
We design fire-resilient buildings using non-combustible materials and strategic landscaping to protect against Western U.S. wildfires. Our approach combines defensible space planning with structural elements that withstand ember attacks while maintaining aesthetic integration with natural surroundings.
Straw Bale Construction
Straw bale walls provide exceptional insulation and carbon sequestration while utilizing agricultural waste. We modernize this traditional technique for contemporary applications in public safety buildings, shelters, and residential projects while meeting current building codes.
Bioregional Design
Our bioregional designs respond to local climate, ecology, and cultural context. We create site-specific solutions that minimize resource consumption through orientation, material selection, and integration with natural patterns while maintaining functional modern spaces.
Natural Ventilation Systems
We engineer buildings to maximize fresh air circulation without mechanical systems. Our designs reduce CO2 buildup and disease transmission risks while maintaining thermal comfort through strategic window placement, thermal chimneys, and airflow modeling.
People
Jon Hammond
Principal Architect
Jon Hammond is a pioneering architect who built one of North America's first modern straw bale buildings in the 1980s. With over four decades of experience in sustainable design, he has shaped California's energy-efficient building codes and continues to lead Indigo's innovative projects.
Questions
What makes your architecture firm different from others?
We specialize in zero net energy buildings that use passive solar design rather than technology-heavy solutions. Our team has shaped California's energy codes since the 1970s and pioneered straw bale construction modernization.
Do you work on residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle both sectors including public safety buildings, animal shelters, residential homes, and civic spaces. Our portfolio demonstrates expertise across project types while maintaining sustainability focus.
How do you incorporate fire safety into designs?
We use non-combustible materials, strategic building placement, and defensible space planning. Our fire-resilient designs protect against ember attacks while maintaining aesthetic integration with natural surroundings in wildfire-prone areas.
What is bioregional design?
Bioregional design responds to local climate, ecology, and cultural context. We create site-specific solutions that minimize resource consumption through orientation, material selection, and integration with natural patterns while maintaining modern functionality.
