A House And Its Garden Are One

Design Confidently, Live Comfortably



	To catch a summer breeze We sited our house on a north-south axis and built it long and narrow to maximize cross breezes from the prevailing winds. Even on the warmest days, the house remains comfortable.

Building green involves proper site planning, water and energy efficiency, and the wise use of materials and resources. Keeping these concepts in mind, we built a comfortable house that sits lightly on the land.

Both house and gardens are designed on a 4-foot-square grid. Because most American building materials come in 4-foot increments, our design reduced construction waste.

Screening the sun Fixed to the large expanse of living room windows, the sun screen is both decorative and practical. In mid-August, when the sun is most intense and high in the sky, it cuts off the strongest rays and keeps the living room cool. In winter, when the sun is lower on the horizon, it allows rays to spread throughout the living room.

We have radiant heating in all the floors and in the stone wall at the front of the house. Installation costs more, but in the long run we save money because heat is delivered evenly rather than rising quickly to the ceiling, enabling us to set the thermostat 2° to 4°F lower than usual.

Diffused light from above The roof of Larry's home office (and of several outbuildings) is made of Kalwall, a translucent, highly insulated building panel. The bright but diffused light that comes through the roof reduces the need for electric lighting. PHOTO: MICHELLE GERVAIS

Natural irrigation Runoff from the front-door overhang is conducted into two large planters, minimizing the need for watering. Rainwater from the roofs of the house and garage is stored in underground cisterns for irrigating the gardens.

Another energy-conserving aspect of our house is the newly installed solar panels. During the week, when we are not using the house, the extra power that is generated is fed into the power grid through an inverter. This literally makes the electric meter run backward, so we anticipate that the cost of our electric power will be close to zero.

NEXT: Gardens with a Casual Formality

BACK: Choosing Finishes and Furnishings

	IN THIS ARTICLE:

		Introduction

		Beginning the Design Process

		Interior Rooms with Exterior Views

		Choosing Finishes and Furnishings

		An Earth-Friendly House

		Gardens with a Casual Formality

		Simple Design Details Add Character and Interest

		Floor Plan

		Resources