Griffins Gate is a 3,200 square foot passive solar home with a separate 1,200 square foot studio. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, library, recreation room, large living room/ dinning room, and a large eat-in kitchen. The energy features include 1 foot thick R40 walls and R40 roof insulated with recycled newspaper. The windows are quad pane R5 and designed specifically for passive solar homes. The home faces south to maximize the passive solar benefit. Over 50% of the heating is provided by the passive solar. The heating and cooling is a geothermal heat pump with radiant floor heating. Hot water is generated with a solar water heater. The pool is heated with solar and a 4kW solar PV system provides electric power and back up in case of power outages. On a sunny day the meter on this home spins backwards, selling power back to the utility company. All materials and finishes in the home are non-toxic and natural. The exterior is stucco with a cedar shake roof and copper dormers. The home is featured in Homes Across America. |
