Hays + Ewing Design Studio

Home Improvement Professionals , Architects & Building Designers , Accessory Dwelling Units , Home Remodeling , Home Additions , Universal Design , Basement Remodeling
18 Reviews
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Hays + Ewing Design Studio
18 Reviews

Modern Solar Rivers Edge Community

The house is the first of ten homes (two designed for Habitat for Humanity), planned for a new sustainable community near downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. HEDS formed the Rivanna Collaborative with three other colleagues to plan and develop a community that embodies green design and planning principles.
RiversEdge House was designed as a spec project and received an Award of Excellence from the Virginia Society of the AIA. One of the judges commended the project for it's "boots on the ground" integration of green principles in a spec home. The house, completed in 2007, is located at the end of a linear common garden. High ceilings and an open plan optimize space in this 2000 SF house. Solar thermal panels atop the roof heat hot water from the sun. Additionally, spray foam insulation in the walls, structurally insulated roof panels (SIPs), low-e windows and passive solar design ensure this house is highly energy efficient.
Country: United States
Zip Code: 22902
The house is sited orthogonal to the street grid but the front wall of the house is canted toward the south to better optimize for passive solar.
RiversEdge
The front wall of this house is canted toward the south and this geometry reappears in the house, adding interest in an upper bedroom. Solar thermal panels sit atop the roof.
RiversEdge
The roof is made of SIPs panels (structural insulated panels) that provide a super insulated roof. The front wall is canted toward south to optimize for passive solar.
RiversEdge
Sustainably harvested woods are used throughout the house.
RiversEdge
The main floor is designed as an open loft. The views from the main floor are focused toward a linear garden at one end and the street at the other. The loft then integrated nicely into the linear nature of the site. Photo by Philip Beaurline
RiversEdge
The architects acted as developer for the project and explored ways to keep costs low. The house was designed around a simple floor plan and volume enlivened by modern details such as walls that wrap to become the roof and windows that wrap corners. Hardipanel was used as an inexpensive siding...
RiversEdge
The flooring is laminated reclaimed chestnut from local Mountain Lumber. The laminated product is a good resource efficient option.
RiversEdge
An exterior canted wall brings surprise and interest to this bedroom.
RiversEdge
The front wall of this spec house is angled south to take advantage of passive solar. The angle reappears in elements of the simple floor plan to add interest and surprise, such as in the open tread stair.
RiversEdge