Designed and built by the owners as a weekend retreat in 1982-84, this unique 1250 sf 2-BR house is earth-bermed to the north, with walkout to the south. A 320 sq. ft. sunspace, separated from living spaces by large sliding glass doors, stretches across the south face.

Thermal storage is in exposed brick, concrete and tile. Exterior concrete walls are insulated inside and
outside with extruded polystyrene. Slab is also insulated with foam. Four skylights deliver daylight farther back into the house. A wood stove provides backup space heating. LP gas is used for "instantaneous" water heating and cooking. A small window AC unit is used in summer, mostly for dehumidification.

Periodic thinning of the surrounding woods is important for solar access, providing more wood than can be burned for backup heat during winter.

To become a member of AEA, go to our homepage www.aea1.org, scroll down & click on "Join Us". Follow instructions to participate in our listserver. There is temporarily no charge to join us!

AEA is not a part of the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), Green Energy of Ohio (GEO) or any other sponsors of the national solar tour. AEA thanks ASES, GEO, all sponsors and site hosts for supporting events like this tour!