Fischerville Residence

LOCATION: Dunbar Springs Subdivision, Fisherville, Kentucky
FLOOR AREA: Heated – 3548 s.f. Unheated – 4961 s.f.

Selected for the American Institute of Architects Home Tour in 2002, this Passive-solar Villa is 21st Century architecture with 19th Century charm. The smart-house technology is invisible in this Prairie-style Sun-Earth home.

Situated at the end of a gently winding drive in the Dunbar Springs subdivision, the home recalls the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, which emphasized horizontal roof lines and decorative masonry bands.

Click to see the floorplan

The 3,500 square foot plan displays a classic solar-design layout with two-story Living room located on the south side, flanked by other living spaces. Properly designed roof overhangs ensure that these spaces are bright and cheerful all year long, yet sunshaded in summer.

The design of a bold and surprising interior color scheme was provided by Thelma Button, Interior Designer, and the Owners.

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Modern Country Home

The owners of this new 9,000 sq. ft. residence desired a modern, energy-efficient, country home with low-maintenance materials. Watrous Associates created a design in the classic tradition of the 1930s Modern Movement while incorporating the latest super-insulated, passive-solar techniques. The design features a two-story sunspace/aviary, containing trees, waterfalls, and a fish pond.

Eastwood Residence

Located on a beautiful farm in  eastern Jefferson County,  Kentucky, this modest 1800 sq. ft. Sun-Earth home incorporates passive-solar design with “active” wind and solar power systems thus allowing this home to produce most of its power throughout the year.  This design, with full basement and two car garage,  is attractive to many clients looking to downsize.

Cecilia Residence

This 6,000-square-foot Sun-Earth home has a modern look but incorporates the historic American “saltbox” concept of a single story height on the north side and a two story height on the south side. The south facing windows let in an abundance of light and warmth in the winter, while the space-age curve of the roof helps keep out the northern winter winds.

Prospect Residence

LOCATION: Prospect, Kentucky

FLOOR AREA: 5074 sq. ft. heated, plus full basement and 725 sq. ft. garage.

The 1 1/2 story 5074 sq. ft. home sits on a south-facing corner lot in a prominent Goshen subdivision. The home has a three car garage, elevated rear deck and porte-cochere entry. The exterior materials include beige stone below salmon color brick walls with white brick arched trim and beige stucco accents. The shingle roof has the appearance of carriage-house slate. The combined architectural effect is Contemporary with historical references to the classic English Cottage country house.

Upon entering this home, one is struck by the entry hall which forms a circulation path opening through a set of arches to the spacious two-story interior. The theme of dark wood panel doors with wrought iron hardware is repeated in central stair which leads to a bridge providing access to three bedrooms on the Upper Level.

Windows are an important element in this home, not only serving as solar collectors but also offering uplifting views of the sky. Passive solar homes are filled with light year round, and contrary to conventional homes, brighter in winter than in summer, due to proper design of roof overhangs. Abundant natural light eliminates the cost of using electric lights and thus additional cooling during the day.

This home shows how a homeowner can have lower energy bills and contribute to a cleaner environment without sacrificing comfort or beauty.

River Home

This energy-efficient 3,000 sq. ft. residence is located on the edge of the Ohio River in southern Indiana. The first floor is elevated above the 100-year floodplain on a 14-foot concrete wall designed to withstand the impact of logs during flood season. The home’s observation windows and decks allow the owners to share in the changing panorama of the mighty river at their feet.

Eco-Village

With the assistance of Watrous Associates Architects, members of the Eco-Village group are in the process of purchasing a 70 acre site, located 20 minutes from downtown Louisville. This will be a planned solar community and is part of the CoHousing Movement now becoming popular in the USA. The Eco-Village will consist of 20 houses on individually owned lots, placed along shared walkways leading to a central Common House.