The feature that stood out as the single-most important criteria in our home designs was keeping the dwellings relatively small. We lessen our impact on the planet by using fewer materials to build. Small and well-built dwellings require less energy to light and heat and help us keep acquisition of possessions to a minimum. We have been inspired by our natural surroundings to give beauty a place of importance in our dwelling and common building designs as well.
Other concepts guiding our house designs, which must all be approved by the EcoVillage, include visitability, flexibility, simplicity, frugality, affordability, durability, and energy efficiency. We will modify our criteria and preferences as we further develop our collective experience and new materials, systems and approaches become available.
A Cottage for One
These plans show the first new dwelling to be built at the EcoVillage and reflect many of our consensed residential guidelines. Intended for a single adult, the heated ground floor space is 450sf . The building also includes a 100sf loft, an open porch and veranda. The ceiling height varies throughout the dwelling, soaring to 16 feet in the living/dining room and a cozy 7.5 feet in the bathroom and storage area. The kitchen is on the south side of the building in a small bay with a vaulted ceiling. The passive solar orientation and design of the home, using Structurally Insulated Panels and earthen floor made with clay and sand, will keep energy use for heating to a minimum. This effort is being led by Ruth Ballard, who is funding its construction and hopes to move in during the Spring of 2008.
This cottage floor plan is being considered by a couple and is shown as an example of how much can fit into a heated ground floor space of under 700sf, the maximum allowed for 2 adults according to our consensed guidelines. It also shows the allowance of a 200sf loft, 100sf of unheated porch, and 130sf of greenhouse space meant to capture passive solar heat.
