Marc Boutin’s Modern Frame House Showcases Passive Solar Design

Saddled in a field overlooking the landscape Invermere, British Columbia, this contemporary home's noble goal is to provide expansive views while using precious little energy. The home is really a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/minimalist-adobe-brick-home-is-a-box-within-a-box/">box within a box</a> that features five opaque sides and one that is completely open to the south. Architect <a href="http://www.the-mbac.ca/site.html">Marc Boutin</a> takes full advantage of solar heat from the minimal Northwest daylight, and when the sun doesn’t shine or cooling breezes are absent the house runs on a ground source heat pump. One thing that is always at hand is the magnificent view framed by the wall of windows.

The single-minded design sensibility works hand-in-glove with passive solar building strategies to reduce and often eliminate the need for supplemental heat and light.

Huge 18 foot <a href="http://inhabitat.com/how-to-green-your-home-with-windows-from-marvin-windows-expert-christine-marvin/">glass</a> doors open out to the deck, allowing the home to take advantage of cooling prevailing breezes.

This also extends the living space outdoors, where residents can lounge beneath a generous overhang.

A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_water_heating">solar thermal hot water</a> system cuts down the home's reliance on fossil fuels.

The interior consists of a single vaulted room, with private spaces tucked in separate boxes within the mass. Stacked above the kitchen are bedrooms and bathrooms for five occupants, and the great room balances the other end.

Tucked below is a family room and lap pool.