The site for this 5,293 s/ft. home overlooks the rolling hills west of Waupaca. The home's renewable energy systems consist of a solar hydronic system, a 2.8 KW photovoltaic system, and a masonry heater. The building envelope is the Gimme Shelter standard with R30 sidewalls and R60 attic using spray cellulose and careful air sealing. This Energy Star home is rated in the top 1% (for energy efficiency) of all homes built in Wisconsin and will use less than 1/3 the energy of an entry level Energy Star home of the same size. The home features a timber-framed walk-out basement and first floor, and a barrel vaulted ceiling in the living room. The floors are acid-etched colored concrete with in-floor hydronic heating. Other features include a fiber cement shingle & fieldstone exterior with concrete sills and timber headers; a large root cellar located underneath the first floor screened porch; and an attached shop and garage.
The view from the southwest, coming up the driveway.
The west porch features timber framing supported by glacier erratics found on the property. Click here to see more details.
The homeowners anticipate that the 400 s.f. flatplate solar collector will provide hot water for 50% of the space heating needs and 90% of the domestic hot water. The 2.8 Kw photovoltaic tracker should produce 4,500 kilowatt hours per year.
The inverters for the photovoltaic system, which was installed by Photovoltaic Systems of Amherst.
The east side screen porch features pine paneling on ceiling & walls, and acid-etched colored concrete floors. The porch is timber-framed with cast concrete window sills.
The oak and pine mudroom storage lockers provide lots of space for coats, hats & boots.
The stairs feature an under-the-handrail LED nightlight and spindles of hammered black steel.
View down from the stair landing.
At the top of the 2nd floor stairway, a play-deck/reading nook was created for small tots, accessed by a 3-step oak ladder.
Kitchen cabinets are cherry-stained oak crafted by Twin Springs Designs. Counters are Zodiac Quartz.
The ceramic tile backsplash was installed by John of Birnamwood Tile.
The masonry heater features a bakeoven on the kitchen side.
Acid-etched colored concrete floors by Alchemy Concrete flow through the home.
The living room, looking towards the kitchen & dining area.
The southwest corner of the living room with a view of the timber framed barrel vault ceiling.
A windowseat made from oak flooring provides extra storage space in the dining area and an awesome view of the prairies and woods to the south and east.
The master bedroom.
The master bathroom Japanese-style soaking tub and shower.
The master bathroom vanity. The textured gypsum plaster walls are tinted with American Clay pigment.
Neil Wenberg, the homeowner. (Please also veiw our special projects page to view the Gimme Shelter work on the barn.)