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rammed earth, Ward+Blake, Idaho, Squirrel, green roof, Earthwall, green design, geothermal, ground source heat pump, sustainable design, eco-design, reclaimed materials, recycled materials, solar gain, thermal massing, insulation

At 5994 square feet, Earthwall 2 is no tiny home, but a series of sensitive interventions compensate for its large footprint. Built with the designer’s own post-tensioned steel rammed earth construction method and oriented for maximum winter solar exposure, the house also boasts energy-efficient windows and high thermal massing.

This combined with a ground source heat pump that regulates temperature and a green roof that provides even further insulation ensures the bare minimum heating and cooling is required to keep the interior comfortable. Meanwhile, reclaimed stone was used for architectural detailing and reclaimed douglas fir was used for the soffits and ceilings.

+ Ward+Blake Architects