W8 UPDATE / 28 May 2013
Joseph Vigil’s Ghost House is included on the “Home Sweet [Energy Efficient] Home: A Sampling of Denver’s Sustainable Residential Projects” Tour during the AIA National Convention in Denver this Summer.
by V Brandy LeMae, managing partner
We are so happy with the house and its site” — Brad Goeddel, Home Owner.
The Ghost House is perched on a slope of Green Mountain, backing onto open space which in turn backs onto State and National Forest. The lot is a rectangular ½ acre that is only large enough to accommodate the modest (2,200 SF) structure and a very long driveway.
The East face of Green Mountain is high plains-foothill transition in elevation extremely dry with high desert vegetation. The home has a small footprint with low water plants and grasses immediately around the house that quickly transitions to the native species. Areas disrupted by construction are once again self sustaining.
The barrier free upper floor provides convenience for the home owners and accessibility for the future. The lower floor provides multi use spaces that can function as offices, private space, and bedrooms.
Energy Efficient features include:
- 10k PV on roof
- domestic solar hot water
- insulated foundation building blocks w/ 5” foam walls creating a 13” foundation
- 6” SIP walls 10” SIP roof
- gas filled Alpin windows and doors
- high fly-ash content concrete floors with radiant heating
- moderate size (2,200 SF) taking advantage of urban infill of a challenging physical location with spectacular views of the Denver metropolis and proximity to Open Space and State and National Forest
- 90% (or so) LEEDS compliant — though not certified
- built without the use of a roll off trash receptacle, all scrap and left over materials sorted and recycled
- ADA accessibility for the main floor
- shade sails over patio and on east facing upper story windows provide shade in summer while excellent cross ventilation and consistent breezes provide cooling on summer nights
- in winter the south facing windows provide sun exposure into the main living area 10 to 15 feet, creating a passive solar mass of about 300 SF.
- 4 FT eves prevent summer sun from entering
- all electric appliances including latest cooking technologies of convection and induction, on demand hot water supplementation and boiler maintained hot water heat
