Sustainable Hill House in Washington by David Coleman Architecture
May 20th, 2010 - Posted in Hills House Design
This sustainable Hill House sited on rocky hillside, sloping gently to the south and steeply to the east and west in Washington. Designed by David Coleman, this building adapting to the changing seasons and needs of its occupants. Sustainable materials, technologies and techniques are used throughout. Recycled steel, sustainably harvested wood, BIBS insulation in oversize wall and ceiling cavities, on-demand hot water, low-flow fixtures and convection heat are all employed. Fenestration is designed to encourage passive solar radiation in winter. In summer, roofs and walls are vented to dissipate heat, and large overhangs, combined with seasonally-deployed, exterior sun shades made from the same fabric used to shield fruit trees on nearby orchards, protect the glass from summer sun.
Interior and exterior functions are delineated by a glass wall that wraps three sides of the structure. Finish materials are common throughout, blurring the line between inside and out. Gabion stone walls bridge between building and landscape, offering retaining, context and privacy. Construction waste was dramatically reduced by incorporating these walls, which are made from the spoils of the building’s excavations. – Photos by Lara Swimmer
