“Here is our site”, our homeowner clients proudly exclaimed. It was a beautiful 4.8-acre Michigan prairie with a dense grove of trees to one side of the property and an expansive field extending out on the others with an ideal solar aperture. Their dream was to build a 5,000 sq. ft. (ICFA) Certified Passive House. Their desire was to have all the glazing and primary views oriented toward the grove of trees; and as much visual privacy as possible to all other sides of the property.

The result: a modern day “Prairie House” with long, extended horizontal eaves with up-swept angled soffits. A unique trombe wall system to the south harnessed the power of the sun while maintaining the clients' desired privacy. P2 was certified as Michigan's first PHIUS+2015 Passive House, but more importantly, became the home for the journey for our empty-nester clients.