Thoughtful Design Through Slow Architecture
The Center for ReSource Conservation held their annual Boulder Tour of Solar and Green Built Homes last weekend. Though we we’re only able to visit three of the 13 private homes that opened their doors to the public, we managed to find our dream home just 20 minutes west of Boulder.
Karel & Alice Starek have built a one-of-a-kind home through the principal of “thoughtful design through slow architecture”. In other words, the former inn keepers have built a home that combines the beauty of the surrounding ecosystem and skills of the local community in a ever-evolving art project they call home. The result is a home of artistic expression blended with sustainable design.
Passive solar design, a solar thermal system for hot water & heating, radiant floor heating, custom-designed windows with heat-mirror glazing, a very green roof, day lighting CFLs, Cempo blocks, locally harvested quartz countertops, Energy Star appliances including a glass-door fridge, low-flow toilets and a recycled copper roof are just a few of the green features.
The couple also chooses to avoid many modern conveniences. Food is prepared from scratch with fruit, herbs and flowers coming from their greenhouse, laundry is line-dried, they have no microwave oven, no TV and use an old fashioned English gas range.
The end result is an awe inspiring structure of life full of stories and meaning growing in every nook and cranny.
