SQUARE FT: 489
This modest Sunroom addition was designed using all the techniques typical of larger Sun-Earth Homes designed by Mr. Watrous, and thus displays how passive-solar design can be incorporated into a variety of projects large or small.
SQUARE FT: 1120
Before renovation, the Kitchen and Living spaces of this 1950′s split-level house were dark and cluttered. To obtain a bright, unified, and open plan, the inside spaces were “scooped” away and then rebuilt in an open, modern style. Gables were added at both ends to take advantage of the natural solar lighting and lovely view of the trees and pool of the rear yard.
This addition shows how solar-design and modern building techniques can be used to reduce energy costs without sacrificing comfort or beauty. The goal was to provide additional Living, Dining, and Bedroom space in a contemporary addition at the rear of the house that would harmonize with the architecture of this Victorian cottage yet be invisible from the street.
Situated on a large piece of land in eastern Louisville, the original post and beam house was too small for the new owners. It also provided little view of the pond and open land to the southwest. The new addition comprises an enlarged living room, deck, master bedroom suite with sunroom, study, laundry center and new entry area for the home. One the south side of the living room, a bay window with cushioned bench and extensive window area provides some passive solar gain for the addition. The living room and sunroom both open onto the expansive deck. Insulated stress skin panels cover the post and beam structure. New cement siding and cedar shake roof surfaces were applied to the entire exterior of the home. Andersen windows with two kinds of high-performance glass was used in the addition — regular HP glass in windows facing south and more heavily coated HP Sun in windows facing west — to shade against the western sun. South facing glass is shaded by roof overhangs.