Unplugged House

Modern Living Off the Grid

EFFICIENT AND COMPACT CONSTRUCTION

Designed to make the most out of its 2,500 square feet, this home was intended to be affordable yet provide a rich living experience. Following the best practices of building economically, this house utilizes a simple foundation, building massing, and roof construction. Geist sought to maximize this house’s potential by employing an open floor plan, large windows, progressive exterior styling, and thoughtful spatial composition. Our goal was to make this a truly unique home that fits its context as well as its inhabitants.

SELF-RELIANT INDEPENDENT LIVING

This rustic modern country home was devised to operate partially or fully off the utility grid; several systems were integrated in order to supplement or replace public utility dependance. The roof of the carport hosts two systems - rainwater collection and a photovoltaic array. Water harvested is collected in a large cistern, and is filtered and purified before supplying the house. The solar panel array is sized to power normal electrical usage for a house this size. A battery power bank stores excess energy and delivers it at night or in overcast conditions. The house is well insulated and has a very minimal surface area to volume ratio, greatly reducing heating and cooling requirements. The septic system is a drainage field. The rural site can accommodate the option of growing and harvesting food. Another feature is the location of water cistern, food stores, and safe room at the back of the house behind surreptitiously placed doors. Altogether, this house provides the freedom to choose from several modes of autonomous living, while also maintaining a heightened quality of life for its residents.