Freestone Ranch
Freestone, California
Design by Van Der Ryn Architects, Inverness, California
The Freestone Ranch home, completed in 2006, incorporates many durable, energy efficient elements in a simple passive solar design.
The south elevation is protected from the summer sun by solar shades, which are also designed to allow winter sun to warm the exposed stained concrete floors. Back-up heat is provided by a radiant heat system in the slab floor.
The interior walls are covered with a lime-based veneer plaster, a durable long lasting alternative to paint. The house's mass is further enhanced by a stucco exterior and 5/8 gypsum on walls and ceilings. Insulation is dry-blown celllulose, and the roof incorporates radiant barrier plywood sheathing. The northern section of the roof is a "living roof" planted with local greenery, further increasing its insulation value.
The house is powered by an off-the-grid photo-voltaic system while a solar water system provides year-round hot domestic water.
Further Information:
Ecological Design Institute -
Further Information:
Ecological Design Institute -
