As I drove up the drive to visit the "Earth House" I was stuck by it simple elegance. Perched on the side of a tree covered hill, it stands proudly as if it held the wisdom of the ages within it's walls. Perhaps it does!As I took in the beaty of it's natural surroundings in I was reminded of the Anasazi Cliff Dwellings I had seen so many times while living in Arizona. Some of the earliest examples of sustainable or green building techniques come from the Anasazi Indians.
Anasazi Kin Ti’ish House
Anasazi Cliff Dwellings
A LITTLE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING HISTORY LESSON
The Anasazi Indians lived in the Four Corners region of the US (where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah meet) from about 1AD until 1300AD. Originally cave dwellers, the Anasazi began to aggressively build above ground structures of mud and stone called adobe sometime around 700-750AD. These structures were built in the sides of cliffs and eventually on the tops of mesas.
This form of architecture became known as “the pueblo.” Both the cliff dwellings and the mesa-top dwellings were built on south-facing ledges. The southern exposure allowed the sun, which was low in the sky at that time of year, to provide heat in the winter. Those pueblos that were built into the cliffs used the cliff overhang to provide cool shade in the summer when the sun was high in the sky. They knew about passive solar energy and used it to their advantage.
Using only natural stone, mud and wood to build their dwellings the Anasazi made homes that were healthy and used no toxic substances. Several dwellings were built next to each other in village configurations for social interaction and safety. They first built rectangular walled rooms then added others, in rectangular blocks, that housed many families. It is also thought that they used the structures to capture rainwater for irrigation as it was a valuable commodity.
This form of architecture became known as “the pueblo.” Both the cliff dwellings and the mesa-top dwellings were built on south-facing ledges. The southern exposure allowed the sun, which was low in the sky at that time of year, to provide heat in the winter. Those pueblos that were built into the cliffs used the cliff overhang to provide cool shade in the summer when the sun was high in the sky. They knew about passive solar energy and used it to their advantage.
Using only natural stone, mud and wood to build their dwellings the Anasazi made homes that were healthy and used no toxic substances. Several dwellings were built next to each other in village configurations for social interaction and safety. They first built rectangular walled rooms then added others, in rectangular blocks, that housed many families. It is also thought that they used the structures to capture rainwater for irrigation as it was a valuable commodity.
BACK TO THE "EARTH HOUSE"
Anasazi Dwelling, Earth House Interior, Earth House in New Canaan
When I got inside, I found that the exterior is not where the Anasazi influence ended. The “Earth House”, as it has come to be known as, was the dream of Henry and Betsy Noble and was designed by Architect Donald Watson. At the time Mr. Watson was teaching at Yale University’s School of Architecture where he was the chairman of the masters program in environmental design. He was also the author of a book “Designing and Building a Solar House” which was published by Garden Way publishers in 1977 and revised in 1985.
Like the Anasazi, Mr. Watson designed a structure that is a concrete shell covered with earth. The home has a south-facing orientation and uses the sunlight for heat, daylighting, electricity, and hot water. The geometric angles designed into the structure along with light-shelves strategically placed near the windows helps maximize the winter sun gain and shade the windows in summer. Environmentally conscious landscaping, designed by Friede Stege, uses deciduous trees and native plantings to help shade the home from the heat of the sun in summer.
Mr. Watson had an advantage that the Anasazi did not. He added energy-saving technologies that are enviable even today. The home includes solar hot water panels and solar panels providing photovoltaic electricity which are located on the grassy roof which provides 3 feet of earthen insulation. It includes a heat pump for back-up heating and cooling, low-e glass windows, skylight and doors, a fireplace that provides a large thermal mass for heat retention, and an air-movement system that provides fresh air throughout the house.
Like the Anasazi, Mr. Watson designed a structure that is a concrete shell covered with earth. The home has a south-facing orientation and uses the sunlight for heat, daylighting, electricity, and hot water. The geometric angles designed into the structure along with light-shelves strategically placed near the windows helps maximize the winter sun gain and shade the windows in summer. Environmentally conscious landscaping, designed by Friede Stege, uses deciduous trees and native plantings to help shade the home from the heat of the sun in summer.
Mr. Watson had an advantage that the Anasazi did not. He added energy-saving technologies that are enviable even today. The home includes solar hot water panels and solar panels providing photovoltaic electricity which are located on the grassy roof which provides 3 feet of earthen insulation. It includes a heat pump for back-up heating and cooling, low-e glass windows, skylight and doors, a fireplace that provides a large thermal mass for heat retention, and an air-movement system that provides fresh air throughout the house.
The home is 4,310 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 1 half bath, all on 5.87 acres of professionally landscaped property. It has a great flexible floor plan and a fabulous studio with it's own bath and door to the outside. Great views from the terraces, gazebo and grassy roof. The property also has the possibility of a 2nd building lot that would not interefere with the beauty and serenity of the current home. Click here for more information and pricing.
"Earth House" is truly an home that nurtures it's inhabitants and respects the planet at the same time. It sets a high standard for the homes of the future and stands as an icon for the sustainable living ideals of today.
Property information and history provided by the current owners and Dody Whitehurst of William Ravies, New Canaan.
Luxury Oasis fit for a Sultan, but without the Oil!
_edited-1-1.jpg)
