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Geothermally-Heated Thomas Eco House in Washington State is Also Wired for Solar
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Tafline Laylin
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Architecture,Clean Energy,Design,Eco Textiles |
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Located on an 11 acre site in Stanwood, Washington with views of the iconic Mt. Rainier, this striking family home has achieved the ultimate in energy efficiency with high and low technology, and good old fashioned passive design. A geothermal pump that is also connected to a water boiler keeps the home warm, while the heat is maintained with insulated concrete form walls.
The home’s southern-exposed windows capture the sun throughout the day, which heat is then slowly released in the evening. On very hot days, motorized solar shades mitigate excess solar gain. The home’s exterior property is only landscaped with indigenous plants and irrigated when possible by rainwater that is captured. We’re never in love with concrete given its high embodied footprint, but we are quite taken with this tall family home. We hope you are too!
+ Northwest Designs Architects
Via Contemporist
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The Thomas family in Washington State wanted an eco-home that would be as energy efficient and sustainable as possible, and that would require the barest amount of maintenance. That’s exactly what Designs Northwest Architects gave them in this attractive four-storey home with a small footprint. Thanks to geothermal heating, thermal massing, cutting edge insulation technology and passive solar design, this project requires 44% less heat and 33% cooling than its competition. Unfortunately budget restraints…
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This striking four storey home was built on an 11 acre site in Washington State
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The Thomas family called for a super energy efficient home that requires very little maintenance
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Northwest Designs Architects fulfilled this brief with super insulation and alternative energy
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Heat is provided by a geothermal pump that is also linked to a water boiler
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Though budget restraints didn’t allow for implementation, the home is wired for solar
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The Thomas Eco-House has gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains
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Passive solar design ensures maximum solar exposure when necessary
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Motorized solar shades mitigate excess solar gain
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Although we don’t love concrete, and this home uses insulated concrete for its thermal massing, we still find this a sustainable home that many middle income families can aspire to.
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