To respond to the wild Eastern Ontario landscape, the inverted design of this home features living spaces on the second floor that connect to a massive granite-rock outcropping. Geothermal heating tied into the well-water system efficiently warms the house during winter. Passive ventilation and shading techniques keep the house cool in the summer, eliminating the need for air conditioning. The concrete floors and walls act as a thermal mass, steadying the indoor air temperature. After four summers living at Gananoque Lake Road House, the owners have never recorded indoor temperatures warmer than 26°C.

Final EnerGuide Rating: 87

Link to SAB Homes article, Winter 2010 - http://goo.gl/brg4g9 (pdf file)