House: 2,000 SF, Shop: 416 SF ; Completion 2019

This contemporary farmhouse sits in rural valley, surrounded by a working farm and overlooking wide vistas of pastureland, forest, and distant hills. Responding to the sun’s daily arc, the building is oriented along the east-west axis, providing ample yet controlled solar exposure from all directions. Carefully proportioned rooms compliment an efficient plan under a farmhouse-inspired roof form. Multiple apertures and partially-sheltered outdoor spaces extend the living environment beyond the walls in multiple directions. Energy efficiency features include careful solar orientation and daylighting optimization, a solar PV system, high-performance envelope, and an engineered mechanical system coupled with an efficient wood burning heater.

Photos by Steve Smith Photography

The super-insulated walls are wrapped with continuous rock wool insulation, and fitted with high-performance windows and doors. Abundant daylight is provided via windows, doors and skylights. The mechanical system includes a highly efficient heat pump, an Energy Recovery Ventilator, and a system of ducts that draws additional heat from a masonry heater. The entire south-facing carport roof plane carries a solar PV array, generating electricity through much of the year.