Indoor Cooling Climate

Santa Ynez, CA

With excellent orientation and plenty of natural ventilation, as well as thermal mass derived from exposed concrete floors and straw bale walls, this ranch style straw bale home located in Santa Ynez, CA will maintain cooler indoor temperatures during the region’s hot summers.  Hydronic radiant in-floor heating serviced by a solar hot-water system and a backup high-efficiency boiler will also keep the home comfortable in the winter.

Natural wood details like live edge trim and shelving and tree posts add charm throughout.

A large 4-panel sliding patio door provides access to a wonderful courtyard and outdoor entertaining space. Additionally, organically designed flatwork connects the home with a large garage/shop also completed by Semmes & Co. which supports a large solar electric energy generation system.

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Project Details
  • Location:

    Santa Ynez, California

  • Completion Date:

    July 2012

  • Space:
    • 3,100 sqft Living
    • 3-car garage
    • 3 bedroom + Office
    • 2 bathrooms
  • Architect/Designer:

    Paul Poirier + Associates

  • Production Manager:

    Paul Rose

  • Production Team:

    Frank Perea
    Nick Aronsen

  • Materials:
    • Straw Bale
    • Live-edge trim
    • Tree post details
    • Radiant in-floor hydronic
    • Grid-tied photovoltaic
    • Solar hot-water

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