When you see a Tulikivi masonry hearth in a custom home, you know you’ve entered a rarified green home. It’s as revealing as seeing a Rolls Royce parked in a home’s garage (although that sends a very different message). You already know a lot about the owners.
So it’s no surprise that this home in Silverthorne, Colorado goes way above and beyond the typical house—to achieve net zero performance-plus. What makes it special? The designer points out the Mediterranean-style climate greenhouse—capable of supplying most of the annual food needs of the residents. In addition, an earth-insulated garage roof is set up for more food production.
The home’s solar PV system is large enough to power the house as well as the 100% electric conversion car.
To view this article as it appears in our September 2012 issue, with sidebars and additional photos, please visit our Magazine Archive.