The west wing on the left, is offset at a 15° angle to the rest of the house. Note the small photovoltaic (PV) panel mounted on the long deck railing which powers the circulating pump for the hydronic solar system. This location makes it easy to clean snow off in winter.
Original passive solar home was owner built in the '70s with an envelope design.
The design challenge was to soften the lines of the old house with additions and to create more outdoor seating areas. The owners were also interested in integrating active solar and other renewable technologies into the original passive solar design.
West roof was designed to mount solar hydronic panels at 60 degrees. Solar heated fluid is used for domestic hot water and in-floor radiant heating system.
Upper deck is accessible from sunroom and has room for two or three chairs. Lower deck is off the kitchen and large enough for outdoor dining.
Centrally located masonry heater is the focal point of the living room. Heater veneer supports the upper landing.
Stair descending from loft over heater is site-built cherry and hickory.
Stair descending to master bedroom on lower level winds around the lower masonry heater whose plastered back is at the right.
Stair ascending from master bedroom. At left is a masonry heater which supports upper heater.