"Located on a bluff 115 feet above sea level, the site had a magnificent west-facing view, which was great for aesthetics but not so good for energy efficiency. Large expanses of glass to capture the sunset were a no-brainer, but even with Arcadia low-E, double-pane, thermally broken aluminum windows, the envelope and mechanical systems needed bolstering to offset that west-facing heat gain. Builder Silvia and Silvia used staggered double-stud framing with a 2x10 top and sill plate, which proved advantageous from a couple of stand­points. The wall thickness allowed for a continuous, uninterrupted layer of foam insulation, improving the thermal envelope. Plus, it improved the home's interior architecture and sight lines by allowing steel beams [required per structural code to withstand 120 mph winds] to be hidden inside the walls."