Rebecca F. Bundy, Design for Sustainable Living, LLC

Garden Valley, Idaho:  New Residence, Sun Tempered, Craftsman Style, 2008

 

The covered porch roof allows in low morning sun in winter to help heat the house, but also provides relief from hot summer sun.  A deep gable on the southwest keeps afternoon sun from overheating the master suite.

 

The Pella Energy Star windows are generous on the southeast façade for winter heat gain and are used more judiciously on the other elevations to admit light and frame views.

 

The house was framed using OVE techniques (studs @ 24” on center where possible and insulated headers) to minimize lumber consumption and maximize insulation. 

 

The roof line was kept very simple to avoid valleys that would trap snow.  The roof is constructed of energy heel trusses, keeping construction costs down, while allowing for R-50 insulation and good ventilation.  Attic trusses above the studio and master suite provide additional storage space.

 

A radiant barrier, applied between the truss top chords, reflects away the sun’s radiant heat and keeps the attic (and the house) cool in summer.

The living spaces are oriented to the south - for winter passive solar heat gain - and utility rooms and garage to the north.  The living room and master bedroom have large French doors opening on to the wrap-around covered porch.  On hot summer afternoons, the porch is in shade and provides a wonderful, cool place to visit.

 

The Craftsman detailing includes big brackets to carry the gable eaves, deep overhangs, exposed rafters and tongue and groove roof decking and a “crazy” clinker brick pattern on the chimney and porch.

 

The lower level is clad in light green stucco to minimize maintenance.  The upper level is shingled to give it a lighter, Craftsman appearance.

The contractor was skeptical — no air conditioning system in Garden Valley, Idaho!  But, careful siting, proper detailing of porch roof and overhangs and innovative insulation systems keep the house wonderfully cool in summer and warm in winter.  On a recent July day with afternoon temperatures in the mid 90’s, the main floor was a cool 68 degrees F!

 

The program for this house included an open floor plan, master suite, artist studio and 3 bedrooms.  The client wanted to work in the Craftsman Style.  The siting needed to accommodate a future barn and horse pastures for the couple’s Morgan horses.  And, the house needed to avoid the over-heating pitfalls of their former “solar” house in California.

The great room provides an comfortable, informal gathering space for friends and family, while the master suite gives the clients a private area to retire to.  The upstairs bedrooms and bath give visiting children and grandchildren space and privacy.

 

The client chose an environmentally-friendly, water-based wood stain with a bees wax finish for all interior woodwork.

 

Ceiling fans help to destratisfy air in the home, keeping it cool in summer and moving the warm air trapped against the ceiling down into the living space in winter.