Marc, today's charrette was terrific. Thank you for your truly generous collaboration. You've caused me to turn a mental corner. Until recently, I thought that that to do really intelligent buildings, we'd need the right clients, the right engineers, and a premium budget. Thanks to you, I now believe that to do intelligent buildings all we need is INTELLIGENCE!—and the guts to ask the simple questions until we get the answers, and the courage of our convictions to persuade others...

We can do this and it will change things. You've empowered us. Thanks. –Ellen

Hanover House

Architectural design and engineering: Energysmiths

Integrated architectural and engineering design for a private residence in Hanover, NH.  This superinsulated home combines active and passive solar heat and hot water, and design for health, comfort, and durability.  Carefully monitored for a decade, this home is one of the lowest energy use houses in the country – the back-up electricity used for heat and hot water is equivalent to 50-55 gallons of fuel oil annually.  The solar thermal array is roof-integrated and feeds a 1200 gallon heat storage tank located in the basement.

This home was built for a budget comparable to other custom homes in the area at the time.  It has been widely published both in the United States and abroad. Occupied 1994.

2000 ASHRAE Technology Award winner

2000 AIA Earth Day Top Ten

1996 Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Green Building Award

References:

Private client, upon request

Links to more information on the Hanover House