Photographs by George Heinrich.Lower photograph by Eric Odor.
Sustainable Ranch
Buffalo, Minnesota
This 2300 sq. ft. contemporary ranch is perched on a lake bluff preparing for take-off. The house is composed of 3 wing-like metal roofs, stucco walls, concrete floors, a 2-story library, a screened porch & lots & lots of glass. The primary airfoil reflects the slope of the bluff and the single story extends the ground plane created by the pine bow canopy. Translucency & spatial extension were the cornerstones of the design of this very open plan.
Sustainable components:
- Passive solar heating and daylighting
- Thermal mass of the concrete floor for heating and cooling
- Natural ventilation due to the narrow building profile and open plan
- Vertical geothermal system
- Bamboo flooring in the bedrooms
- "Eco-Kasa" septic system
- High efficiency appliances
- Recyclable steel roof
- Composite fiber-cement siding
Designed by Eric Odor and John Abbott.
Built by Bruce Prevost Construction and the owners.
Awards
- AIA Minnesota/StarTribune Home of the Month Award, 2005
Publications
- Fine Homebuilding Houses Issue, 2007