This cottage designed and built in the vernacular of a Pennsylvania Farmhouse is 100% solar. A 4.2kW solar electric system (concealed on dormer roof), radiant floors heated with solar hot water, passive solar design applications for heating, cooling and daylighting, make this home, tight and quite. Fresh air intakes, light tubes, partially earth sheltered and with a high performance building shell (sips panels, double framed walls, closed cell soy and cellulose insulation, airsealing ets.), interspersed with salvaged/antique materials and timber framing, add to the patina of the 1700's. Open and communicative interiors with good traffic patterns and livability while this guest cottage stands firmly planted as a net energy exporter.
The sum is a Common Sense simplicity in a high performance reproduction home.