River Road

800 SF; Completed in 2012

This sustainable hybrid timber-frame Mini Home combines cozy spaces with an expansive character. The interiors weave into the surrounding garden, and the home celebrates the cycle of seasons. The front porch transitions gracefully via a slate-floor entryway into the central space where the living, dining, and cooking areas overlap and interact. This great room expands to a study / guest room, and opens onto the partly-sheltered deck overlooking the garden. A centrally located wood stove anchors the room, and an altar peacefully delineates the passage into the private zone: a master bedroom and a light-filled bathroom. Exposed wood structure and trim frame the naturally-dyed earthen plaster walls.

A double-insulated envelope shelters the interiors, while a super-efficient mini-split heat pump combined with an HRV provide heating and ventilation. Abundant daylight is provided via windows, doors, clerestories and skylights. The south-facing roof carries a solar PV array, and a hot water solar collector. Reclaimed Graywater and rainwater irrigate the garden.