~ Keech – Ross Residence ~

Sustainable Site Planning: When purchased in 2007, the property was an abandoned rural 58 acre Parcel of unmanaged mixed fields and woods, bisected by an unsightly electric transmission line. The new home building site was carefully selected, providing optimum solar access and view potential, while minimizing the number of trees required to be cleared for construction. The building site also provided the opportunity to construct a proximate irrigation farm pond, to be partially supplied by a rainwater harvesting system on the house. In addition, the acreage is in the process of being selectively cleared of diseased Pines, to nurture the regeneration of a healthy hardwood forest, and reclaiming of open pastures for productive hay fields, livestock, and natural habitat for wildlife.

Materials & Systems: Every building material, component, and system was meticulously chosen to minimize embodied energy and construction waste, while maximizing healthful performance, energy efficiency, longevity, and affordability. These features include: local Pine, silver heat reflective Galvalume “Butterfly Roof” Rainwater Harvesting System, accessible Vegetated Living Roof Terraces, and Solar Thermal Hot Water with integrated Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating System.