This off grid residence demonstrates that high performance, carbon neutral living can be achieved through clarity of design rather than technological excess. The project integrates selective building systems, rigorous passive strategies, and hands on craftsmanship to create a resilient, self sufficient home with a minimal environmental footprint.
The home is distinguished as much by what it omits as by what it includes. It operates without a connection to the electrical grid, municipal water, a conventional boiler or furnace, or a flush toilet—choices that significantly reduce resource consumption while reinforcing long term resilience and independence.

Energy systems are carefully coordinated and right sized. A rooftop solar thermal array supplies approximately 80 percent of domestic hot water, with excess heat redirected to in floor radiant heating. Electrical demands are met by a 2.9 kW photovoltaic array, designed to support highly efficient lighting, appliances, and electronics. Primary space heating is provided by a central wood fired masonry heater, whose contra flow chimney re burns exhaust gases at high temperatures to achieve approximately 90 percent efficiency.

Rainwater harvesting is integral to the design. A steel roof supports both passive cooling and water collection, directing rainfall into a 5,400 gallon underground concrete cistern that serves as the home’s sole water source. A composting wood toilet eliminates water use entirely while closing the loop on waste.

A high performance building envelope—featuring super insulated assemblies and high solar gain, high R value windows—maximizes passive heating, minimizes energy loss, and underscores the project’s commitment to durable, low impact architecture.
TEAM: Locus Architecture; Safe Haven Structural Engineering; Alex Foeller Construction