Good & Green: Great Bones

An architect's earth-friendly home stands the test of time

Written by Kristine Solomon

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In 1990, when architect Jim Logan and his wife, multimedia artist Sherry Wiggins, designed and built their home near Boulder, Colorado, they had very specific goals in mind. “We wanted a beautiful house that was energy-efficient, used few natural resources, and had a minimal impact on the earth,” Logan says. “It also was important that it had a strong connection to the outdoors.” To achieve these ambitions, the couple drew upon a mix of high technology and time-tested techniques, including radiant heating, day lighting, thermal solar panels, and rammed-earth walls. The resulting 1,800-square-foot home, located on a 100-acre former farmstead, is a paradigm of energy conservation and lasting beauty.

Facing south to make the most of day lighting and passive and active solar heating possibilities, the house scoops up sunshine through the floor-to-ceiling windows that line its front facade. Their placement, combined with the home’s open floor plan, allows light to flow throughout the rooms, providing warmth and natural illumi­nation. All the dwelling’s windows are double low-e, which minimizes heat gain and loss; the lower part of many of the units can be opened to permit cooling cross-ventilation.

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