Page 21 - Green Builder Magazine March-April 2018 Issue

Double duty.
The 1,275-square-foot dwelling is built at an elevation of 6,700 feet,
High-performance in a ponderosa pine forest increasingly at risk for wildfires. It’s the
windows from European first certified International Passive House in Colorado.
manufacturer INTUS bring Michler took design inspiration from the Hogback Mountains, a
in daylight and solar heat spine-like ridge in western Colorado. The shed roof of the MARTaK
gain in winter. House rises gradually from west to east, and the north wall cants
back from the peak. The basic building form is simple—a necessary
strategy for achieving Passive House standards—but the asymmetric
ceiling and angled south wall help the structure transcend the
rectangle, creating dynamic spaces inside.
“One of the tricks for small spaces is you have to think in three
dimensions, and play with volume and scale,” says Michler, who
offers design, writing and consulting services under the umbrella
of Baosol Design. The open floorplan includes flexible spaces which
range from expansive to cozy. Other features that add flexibility and
function include the multi-use stair with its series of nesting boxes
and the “net-bed” in the loft, which ensures an exchange of natural
light and provides the perfect retreat for kids. Except for the loft,
the home is ADA accessible.

Old School but Effective Insulation
Michler thought carefully about the whole life cycle of the building
and embodied energy of the materials. Wood, a renewable resource
that also captures carbon, is used extensively in the structure and
finish materials. Though many passive houses rely on spray foam
insulation to achieve their superior energy performance, Michler
decided to not use any foam in the MARTaK Passive House. The
home is also built on a traditional crawlspace foundation insulated

FIRST FLOOR

WORKSPACE

PANTRY BATHROOM
KITCHEN

LIVING ROOM
Renewable BEDROOM

materials.
The nail-lam floor
consists of FSC-certified
dimensional lumber
that is set on edge and
fastened together.

March/April 2018 GREEN BUILDER 19

14-53 GB 0318 HOTY.indd 19 4/11/18 3:01 PM