Hugh Lofting Timber Framing Inc. is constructing a new off-the-grid home in Annapolis, Maryland and it’s an eco-conscious family’s dream come true. The company’s description of the sustainable home is so poetic that I found myself lost in a daydream of calling The Spirit Residence my own—lounging in front of the sealed fireplace as I gaze out over the surrounding farmland and forests, the aroma of my dinner filling the air, slow-cooking in one of two wood burning stoves…
But, back in reality, this home really does boast an impressive list of earth-friendly elements sure to send any environmentalist into a gloriously happy, dazed state of consciousness. The list includes solar thermal heating, natural ventilation, Energy Star appliances and high efficiency energy recovery ventilation for fresh air.
Built to provide a modern living experience for a family of four while reducing their carbon footprint, this house hopes to serve as a model for home construction of the future.
Read a full list of The Spirit Residence’s sustainable elements after the jump!
-
Passive solar orientation with seasonal shading with concrete floors and chimney mass placed for maximum heat absorption, allowing passive nighttime heating
-
Solar thermal heating via an in-floor radiant system with geothermal back-up
-
Geothermal cooling augmented with night cooling
-
High-efficiency Energy Recovery Ventilation for fresh air
-
Solar thermal domestic hot water system with on-demand propane fired back-up
-
6kw Solar Photovoltaic array for electricity with battery storage
-
FSC certified timber frame, framing lumber and cabinetry
-
High fly ash content concrete floors on three levels
-
High-efficiency windows customized to solar orientation
-
High-reflective roofing system to deflect heat gain in summer
-
Ultra efficient plumbing fixtures for reduced consumption
-
Sealed fireplace to reduce heat loss, including two wood burning stoves for back up heat and two fireplaces for beauty and joy
-
Energy Star appliances and lighting
-
Reduced construction waste by using prefabricated structure and panels, and by ordering all framing lumber precut to needed dimensions
-
Natural ventilation strategies include home orientation to prevailing winds and operable windows
