GREEN BY
DESIGN by Gregg Morris, for The Bulletin Special Projects Photos by Nicole Werner
WITH A FOCUS ON PASSIVE DESIGN, THIS NORTHWEST CROSSING HOME IS SIMPLY ENERGY-EFFICIENT.
Another new, energy-efficient home has risen in Bend’s NorthWest Crossing neighborhood. Designed by homeowner Bob Lorenzen and built by SolAire Homebuilders, the NW Lolo Drive residence inherited its approach to living from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian- style house. With that in mind, there is a strong visual connection between the interior and exterior areas of the home. “We wanted to blend Frank Llyod Wright’s Ustonian style with extreme energy efficiency,” says Cindi O’Neil, co-owner of SolAire Homebuilders.
The approximately 2,400 square-foot home combines passive-solar characteristics with increased insulation and other green building techniques to achieve optimal energy efficiency. Because the walls are 16 inches thick, the house lives like a 2,100 square foot home. “This is the fourth house we have designed and built for ourselves,” said Lorenzen, a certified passive house consultant. “With each one, I push the energy efficiency envelope a little more. “I’ve been involved in energy efficiency my Autumn 2013 | Central Oregon Living | 33