You Can Build This Energy-Efficient Prairie Solar Home

1 / 5
The Solar Prairie Home is designed for the “cold” region of the United States
The Solar Prairie Home is designed for the “cold” region of the United States
2 / 5
Regional designs, such as the Solar Prairie Home, allow homes to be energy efficient, more environmentally friendly and comfortable.
Regional designs, such as the Solar Prairie Home, allow homes to be energy efficient, more environmentally friendly and comfortable.
3 / 5
The porch on the west side shades the family room from summer sun and creates an outdoor living area.
The porch on the west side shades the family room from summer sun and creates an outdoor living area.
4 / 5
Floor plan for the first story. To save on annual heating costs, the design features a superinsulated shell and high-performance windows.
Floor plan for the first story. To save on annual heating costs, the design features a superinsulated shell and high-performance windows.
5 / 5
Floor plan for the second story. The unique design of the upstairs bathroom in this solar home saves about $5,000 in construction costs versus having two separate bathrooms. Want more space in the bedrooms? Consider built-in fold-down beds.
Floor plan for the second story. The unique design of the upstairs bathroom in this solar home saves about $5,000 in construction costs versus having two separate bathrooms. Want more space in the bedrooms? Consider built-in fold-down beds.

Not so long ago, the best home designs in the United States were based on their local climate, crafted from materials that were nearby, and utilized time-tested building techniques. As a result, different areas of the country were known for their distinctive, regional homes.

But after World War II, cheap energy changed all that. Newly developed energy-intensive heating and cooling systems allowed designers to ignore the climate. The “International Style” of the 1950s embraced this approach: Building styles could be the same from Miami, Fla., to Wasilla, Alaska, without regard for the climate.

Of course, this way of designing is not sustainable. As energy costs rise and we make stronger efforts to reduce global warming, regionally-based architecture is experiencing a renaissance. Regional designs allow homes to be energy efficient, more environmentally friendly, and comfortable. This solar home, which we call our Solar Prairie Home, was commissioned by MOTHER EARTH NEWS to meet all of those design objectives.

The traditional prairie style home has its roots in the Midwest and is easily recognized by the linear horizontal design, roof overhangs, and centrally located fireplaces. This design is optimized for its climate and will perform best in “cold” areas of the United States.

One key ideal of a green home is to keep it appropriately sized. At about 2,600 square feet, this design’s efficient floor plan is convenient and feels spacious while minimizing the heated space and amount of construction materials.

  • Published on Jun 29, 2009
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368