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R The north wall has a minimal number of doors and windows.R The posts supporting the framework of the house are inside the stru cture and donot interrupt the wall structure minimizing seams that cause leaking of warm air inthe winter and cool air in the summer or the reverse.High quality building design provides a complete heating and cooling system andprovide a high quality indoor environment through proper passive solar gain,insulation, ventilation, and sizing.R High levels of natural straw bale insulation maximize insulation where required.R High quality double glazed windows provide passive solar gain while minimizingheat loss.R A few operable windows provide cooling through cross breezes in the summer.R Extensive window shading designed to minimize solar gain in the summer whileoptimized for solar gain in the winter are integrated into the windows designs.R The green roof system improves insulation in the winter and increases cooling inthe summer.R A Pacific Energy EPA rated wood stove provides additional heating in the winter.In-Floor HeatingThis system was selected for a number of reasons that include both environmentaland health benefits:R The large concrete mass required for in -floor hydronic heating systems providesthe perfect storage medium for passive solar design;R Natural heat distribution through radiation instead of forced air through ductwork (which has the potential for molds and dust);R Ability to store and recover heat naturally from passive solar absorption, solarwater heat exchange, and water heated by the wood stove;R Ability to control temperature separately for each room for optimal efficiency andflexibility.265