
Castleton Rammed Earth Home
August 30, 2018ARTIST'S BACKYARD OASIS
On a tight midtown lot, a failing 1970s sunroom—unusable for half the year—was transformed into a luminous, four-season retreat. The clients envisioned more than just extra space: a place to live among their art and greenery year-round, blurring the line between indoors and out.
Working within the constraints of the site—and around a magnificent existing beech tree—we took a highly considered, low-impact approach to construction. Drawing inspiration from prefabrication, the floor assembly was fully finished off-site and then carefully lowered onto structural piers. This not only minimized disruption to the landscape and root system, but also eliminated the need for inefficient, uncomfortable on-site work in tight crawlspaces.
Sustainability drove every decision. The floor was densely insulated with cellulose, achieving exceptional thermal performance while avoiding high-impact foam products. An airtight envelope was created with ease and precision, improving comfort and long-term energy efficiency.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling triple-glazed windows and a large sliding glass door were craned into place, maximizing natural light while maintaining excellent insulation. Overhead, three strategically placed skylights bring in just the right amount of daylight—carefully balanced to prevent overheating or heat loss.
Outside, a thoughtfully designed deck weaves around the existing tree, preserving its presence while creating a seamless, private outdoor extension of the living space. The result is a calm, light-filled sanctuary that performs beautifully in every season.
Team
https://reviveengineering.com/
https://maceireann.com/
https://ufora.ca/
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