Energy Efficiency with Style

Like all of Mr. Hartford’s designs, this house was originally designed as an energy–efficient, passive solar home. You can of course build this house facing in whatever direction suits your needs, but if you’re interested in building it as a passive solar home, please read the section below titled Passive Solar Info for specific information on orientation.

The covered entry is located at a corner, with the entry door set at a diagonal. Windows flanking the door create multiple views from this foyer space, which also features a coffered ceiling and a stone tile floor that matches its shape. A powder room and a coat closet are located in the foyer, as well as a door to a sunny office. As you walk to the living area, you pass another closet and a door to the master suite. The master bedroom features two separate walk–in closets, and the bath area has a tub in one corner, a separate shower, a linen closet, and two vanity sinks.

The living area has a 9′ ceiling, like most of the rooms on this floor, with a soffit around the edges that steps down to 8′. A media cabinet on the right is flanked by built–ins, and three pairs of windows with transoms above them look out to the rear. The room is open to a hearth room that also has windows looking out to the rear, and it features a gorgeous two–sided fireplace built into a contemporary shelving and display system that warms both it and the dining area located on the other side. The dining room has a 10′ ceiling with an 8′ high soffit along the edges, and has additional space for eating at the extended kitchen counter. A small vestibule from the dining area leads to a craft room and a screened porch. The close vicinity to the kitchen makes the screened porch and the deck off of the porch ideal places to dine or entertain in warmer weather.

The large country–style kitchen has abundant counter space for cooking and prep work, and features lots of overhead cabinets along with a walk–in pantry. A pair of windows are placed above the sink for light and views. From the kitchen, a door leads to a utility/laundry room that accesses the two–car garage. A small utility shed is located next to the garage, which the original owners used to accommodate the water heater and solar components. A staircase in the garage leads to an optional upper floor that sits under the slopes of the roof, and could be used as a studio or recreation room.

The stairs to the upper level are a straight shot to an overlooking balcony with a hall bordered by balusters. There are three additional bedrooms on this level, and two full baths. Bedrooms 2 and 3 have windows that look out to the front and share a bath, while bedroom 4 has its own private bath and a huge closet. The rooms on this floor have 8′ ceilings.

Passive Solar Info
To maximize its passive solar design, the front of this house should face North.