The stand-alone utility structure has been designed to support a single-family primary residence with sustenance including energy, water, and food security. The goal of the project is to investigate the intersection of bio-based materials and building science, with an overarching cyclical design approach to sustainable systems.
The accessory building includes a greenhouse- built to grow, process, and preserve food. An integrated root cellar provides long term food storage. Other programming requirements include tool and material storage, bathroom (composting toilet, sink and shower), and a small sleeping loft.
The metal roof is designed to catch and direct rainwater to storage barrels on the north side of the site. Water is gravity fed through a stone and sand biological filtration system. A passive heating and cooling system- including thermal mass and natural ventilation techniques, is coupled with an active electric heat pump and ERV system. A Photovoltaic system with battery storage provides electricity. A wood stove provides analog warmth. The timber framed structure includes lumber harvested and milled on site. The primary wall assembly consists of hemp panels with an exterior rainscreen assembly, clad with white cedar planks. The interior walls will be a natural clay plaster, with a Tadelakt plaster for added moisture control in the greenhouse.
Design Phase
Eliot, Maine
Rendering by CUTO Studio