Full Circle

The barnlike shape does more than mimic the area’s architectural vernacular. “Curved roofs aid airflow for natural ventilation,” Nathan says. He improved on this model by adding a tower between the double-height living area and the two-story bedroom wing. Opening the windows on the lower level draws cool air up the center tower to the second-floor bedrooms, forcing warm air up and out through remote-controlled windows. Ceiling fans expedite the process. “The place doesn’t need air-conditioning,” Nathan says, though the couple installed it in their master suite for insurance.

 Nathan loaded the structure with green features to make it worthy of its EPA Energy Star rating. Large banks of windows capture natural light, and the southern exposure takes full advantage of sunlight for solar gain in cool weather. During summer, leaves on the trees shield the house from direct sun.

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