When the Lowells were contracting for their house, the builders wanted to flatten the lot, remove all rocks, and drain off excess water. However, the Sheppard’s insisted on retaining the terraced landscaping and on keeping and using unearthed rocks, thereby minimizing runoff.
Installing 4.25 KW of solar panels allowed them to go fully electric and implement a ‘no burn’ policy for cooking and heating, and lots of wood and windows provide passive solar energy to warm the house. Double walls ensure the retention of cool in the summer and warmth in the winter.
The house features 450 tsubo (approx. 1,500 m2) of former vegetable garden and orchard. The logs for the house were imported from Finland, a decision that came down to economics. To repay the atmosphere for carbon used in transporting the logs, the Sheppard’s have planted over 300 trees and bushes including kiri, mimosa, sakura, Himalaya pine, and more.
The result of their endeavors is Hillside Place, a highly sustainable, solar-powered log home with clean air, wonderful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Their next project is to build a guest house that is totally ‘off the grid.’ For more info check out www.hillsidebridal.com
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