2020 Solar Style House
The Sterling Solar Model C
Bill Sterling designed the Model C
Solar Style House for an artist who
wanted to convert an existing garage
into a studio. The Model C solar
style design is a 688 SF studio living
space that lends itself to modular
construction for even wilderness
camp site locations where solar
collection could provide off the grid
power source.
This little studio is another ”machine
for collecting solar energy.” It is a
sculpture that expresses on the outside how it functions to gather and conserve energy.
Sterling’s Model C faces the main glass wall directly south, faces moderate amounts of
glass east and west (7%) and no glass facing north. The tilted roof shape improves sun
angle to the optimum for collecting the solar energy with PV roof panels. While the style
is derivative of mid century modern “international style” design principles, it takes a
major step away from the Philip Johnson “glass box” icon to make a more energy
efficient and frankly much more comfortable residence, offering more privacy as well as
functionality.
Current design drawings and specifications include the latest details of super-insulated
walls, thermal breaks,
air tight construction
and high efficiency
mechanical systems,
approaching net zero
energy design in some
cases.
Sterling concludes about the Model C Solar House, “It is a very compact and efficient
design that could fit almost any site, even remote locations. Its size makes it an affordable
artist studio or camp building
for week-end retreats for
fishing or skiing.”
