Denver, Colorado
The client, a ceramicist with strong environmental ethics, wanted a little more space, a renovated kitchen & bathroom, a garage & ceramics studio, and a roof that did not leak. Our design of the house was inspired by the forms of the client’s ceramics. With its dynamic vaults, the design expresses an unfolding, or emergence.
With its extensive and properly shaded southern windows and thermal mass created by existing masonry incased in excellent insulation, the Finch House is an outstanding passive solar remodel. Clearstory windows bring in natural light without glare to wash the double-height wall and fill the living and dining rooms. East and west windows are minimized and tuned to block solar heat gain. Winner of a Denver Mayor’s Design Award. 2004.
- Outstanding passive solar design
- Remodel saving resources
- Excellent daylighting
- Passive solar remodel
- Super insulated
- Highly efficient furnace and appliances
- Green materials
- “Not-so-big” house
- Award winning
This house is featured in the video Passive Solar Simplified and a book by the same title.
Learn more about this house here.
