“The house does not rely on external technologies like photovoltaics, wind turbines, or solar thermal hot water systems; instead, its high performance is almost entirely a function of its design. At first glance, however, it is the aesthetics of the house that immediately set it apart. While it may be an example of cutting-edge green design, the Hudson Passive Project has the easy appearance of the old stone barns common to the region.”

via The Hudson Passive Project

via The Hudson Passive Project

Dwell: …this is just a big shotgun house: a single gable that runs from end to end without any beams and was efficient to build. I knew I could get 60 floor joists that were exactly the same and 60 roof trusses that were exactly the same and that I could create a shape that would remain true.

via dwell

For the exterior and roof, Ewing chose Una-Clad corrugated-steel siding. The material, more commonly found on commercial buildings, is lightweight, durable, easy to maintain, and recyclable.

via dwell

In James Howard Kunstler’s view, public spaces should be inspired centers of civic life and the physical manifestation of the common good. Instead, he argues, what we have in America is a nation of places not worth caring about.

FASA AG: “…supplied with more than 50% by solar energy. The ENERGETIKhaus100® is the most consistent solar house without oil, gas or heat pump system.”

via Sebastian Heise | batah.de
“In an intelligent interplay of solar architecture, large-scale solar thermal plant, a central long-term heat storage, massive ecological construction materials for insulation and are covered 90-100% of the heat demand for heating and hot water from the building by solar energy. The rest provides a stove with heat exchanger and also serves as a safety package – a solution with charm.”

via Sebastian Heise | batah.de

“The future owner of a ENERGETIKhaus100 ® save annually up to 3000 liters of heating oil or comparable amounts of gas or electricity. This not only saves money but also the environment and makes it independent of rising energy prices. The CO2 emissions of ENERGETIKhaus100® goes to zero. “Independent Living in Style” is the motto of the house owner.”

Located in Oberwiesenthal Saxony Germany.

via Revelantions

via Revelantions

via Metaphys House

Reclaimed Space is about constructive building. We’re focused on reversing the impact new building is having on our natural environment, resources and society. Achieving this goal starts with providing alternative energy capabilities and fully sustainable living, while building with reclaimed materials. Along with our commitment to forward-thinking and eco-responsibility, Reclaimed Spaces are always visually appealing and affordable.

Harpoon House designer, Matt Kirkpatrick: The average size of a single-family house in the U.S. was 983 square feet in 1950. The average size in 2004 was 2,349 square feet. Harpoon House features 704 square feet of living space and 448 square feet of unconditioned basement.

Harpoon House was designed to encourage a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor living. Yes, it does rain a lot in Oregon. But for the record, Portland’s average yearly rainfall is less than Seattle, New York or Houston.

No conventional roofs were used in the making of this house. Harpoon House is topped with of 433 square feet of ecoroof. Soil and plants instead of tar paper and asphalt shingles. The verdant rooftop will help the house stay cool in the summer months and absorb run-off in the rainy months. Why aren’t more roofs green?

Miller Hull Partnership: Located in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, the 10 acre site contrasts between gently rolling fields that abruptly terminate in a 100-foot-high bluff that drops to the water’s edge below. The juxtaposition between these two conditions led to the architectural concept.

via Miller Hull Partnership

High westerly winds from the water blow against the bluff concentrating forces at the top. The house mediates this force by creating a wind break. Stretching along the bluff are the living areas, the entry porch and the garage. This north/south oriented wing is highly glazed to take advantage of the long range views over the bluff to the islands.

via Miller Hull Partnership

Arch Daily: The local construction code demands free space at both sides and limits the extraction of trees. The future owners –a couple that will change their boat for a house in the forest- requested that great care should be taken to preserve the natural conditions of the plot of land and to profit as much as possible from the natural qualities.

via: Arch Daily

via: Arch Daily