Cuffe Passive House
“We wanted a weekend retreat that is comfortable and energy efficient without compromising our lifestyle. RPA delivered a design that fits perfectly into the forest setting and allows us to enjoy the both the outdoors and indoors.”
Homeowners
DESCRIPTION
The Cuffe Passive House is Pike County, Pennsylvania’s second home designed to meet the Passive House standard. The house is a weekend retreat for a retired couple from the New York metropolitan area. Located in a historic private forest preserve, the design had to respect the off-site views from the road and lake. The site is densely wooded with excellent solar access to free energy and views of an unspoiled mountain forest.
DESIGN
The exterior is visually quiet and blends into the forested setting and community aesthetic standards. The interior is a modern, open plan with living spaces facing the lake on the south, and mechanicals systems occupying the north. An outdoor room with fireplace integrates indoor and outdoor living. The surrounding forest is selectively pruned to provide filtered views, improved solar gain, and to allow natural light and air flow. The new home meets the rigorous Passive House standard ensuring the most comfortable and healthy indoor environment available. A future roof mounted PV solar system will make this home net zero energy.
