Days until Summer, 2018
Summer is coming in PastDesigned by: |
From the Ground Up | | Print | |
Written by Administrator | ||
Thursday, 15 April 2010 21:30 | ||
{jcomments on}Design:
The home (2,900 sq. ft.) is designed so that our primary living areas (great room, dining area, kitchen, media room, master bedroom and bath, plus associated storage areas) are located on the main floor. Once you enter the house, you are in our great room...and once you see the view, it's likely you'll not want to move to any other room! Even when the walls first went up, they framed a fabulous view. Check out the plans. The second story has two additional bedrooms, bath and storage space plus a grand work area featuring an unparalleled view of the surrounding countryside. Guess where my computer is located? ConstructionThis is a stick built structure...no pre-fab sections or straw bale. Standard 2x6 framing was used. When all the layers are added up, from interior plaster to the outer siding, the exterior walls are 10 1/4 inches thick. A vapor barrier sealed the interior, with blue board and plaster completing the interior finish. All window and door jams were filled with expanding foam insulation. Windows and sliding glass doors are R-8 Hurd Solar Glass--one of the highest R-values in the industry.
Winter is a fascinating time in our house. The colder it is, the clearer the sky, the more 'energy harvesting' we do. Yes, we use the wood stove in the evenings for psychological comfort--not necessary, but the extra few degrees keep the house warm throughout the night. This photograph was taken by architect Steven Strong. Rob Erb, his project manager, was at the controls of a rented Cessna. This hawk's-eye view of our house was taken shortly after noon. The solar thermal panels are on the left half of the roof while the photovoltaic panels cover the right half of the roof. Fall ViewThe final coat of stain along with the white trim finished off the exterior. We've now had 11 summers perched over the marsh...wonderful family gatherings powered and enhanced by the Sun. You're invited to visit during the Annual Tour of Solar Homes, which is on the 1'st Saturday in October. |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 15 April 2010 22:06 |