Small Footprint in Fayetteville
Fayetteville, Arkansas, doesn't have a reputation for "going green." Rather, the town has historically garnered recognition for its local beacon, the University of Arkansas. Yet homeowners Myria and A.J. Allen are redefining conventional building practices, beginning with their energy-efficient and environmentally conscious home. Completed in the spring of 2011, the petite 1,368 square foot two-bedroom, two-bath structure sports a broad, wing-like roof, detached carport, clerestory windows and cathedral ceilings. But don’t be deceived by the modern shape; underneath the sharp-cornered dressing lies dozens of meticulous details chosen in the name of sustainability. “We wanted to do our small part to reverse the negative environmental trajectory we see around us,” says Myria. “Essentially we wanted to use our financial resources to create a comfortable home which is consistent with our values.”
Working closely with Skiles Architect, Myria, a Professor in Environmental Communication at the university, and A.J., an employee for the city’s Parks and Recreation department were able to honor their earth-friendly lifestyle while maintaining an economical outlook. Meeting the highest possible Energy Star 5+ certification through the use of a geothermal heat pump, SIPs for roofing, and Ultrex windows with Low-E II glazing, among other eco-friendly choices, the couple’s lowest across-the-board electric bill has been $43, while the highest came in at a modest $69. Aside from the financial boon, the house also proves valuable in education. Myria says she’s taken advantage of her Fayetteville rarity and brought her students in to talk with them about creating ethically responsible yet beautiful living spaces. “Most folks really don’t think outside the box when it comes to building a home—this helps them to do so,” she says.
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Hey, I really like that the house in the blog is super green! It's great that people are beginning to think progressively and take steps towards a healthier tomorrow. My only question about this home? It looks like if I took a really deep breath I could blow it over like a house of cards. I LOVE seeing things like this!
Nice job on the article, Kelly!
We loved working with Albert and Lisa Skiles of SKILES ARCHITECTS. They gave A.J and Myria a tour of our passive solar guest house outside Eureka Springs, AR. It's light and airy AND sturdy all in one.
I know both Myria Allen and Lisa Skiles. Good job by two great women (and two good men, I'm sure)!
While Fayetteville may not have a reputation nationally, I lived there for a while and my family and friends still do, and let me assure you, people there love being in The Natural State and many are quite progressive in terms of their homes, footprint minimization, etc. It's a beautiful area of the country to live and most of the local citizenry are intent on keeping it that way. I'm proud to see Dwell taking a local interest in the town, though! Looks like a beautiful home that was thoughtfully crafted.
I'm very impressed by the selection of materials. There is none of the silly ostentation that one sees in many bespoke homes. This house is very inspirational as a livable design.
Nicely done! Bravo to footprint minimization by all means! I live in 1300 sq. ft. and can't imagine needing more. But as a designer, I wonder what will happen when we all tire of corrugated metal, raw lumber, concrete, bamboo etc., since many of the 'small houses' in vogue have similar looks and materials. I've seen many small homes pictured in print recently, many of which I love-- I just wonder if they'll continue to please in twenty years. Will they look as tired as Mission Style furniture looks to us now?
cool place. always wondering what something like this cost to build?
Please, please, please consider including more technical information in your articles. I really enjoy this site, however a brief discussion of some of the buildings construction details, for example a wall section, would make it an extremely valuable resource. Websites like GreenBuildingAdvisor.com and BuildingScience.com are very thorough in this regard but sometimes fall short on aesthetics. A topic that Dwell clearly excels at exploring.
Great work on green building--I just wish there were a little bit more personality shown in the home... Much of the house feels like a new house before anyone has moved in.
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