Architects/builders for passive solar homes in Seacoast area? (Portsmouth: house, construction)

[jgreen1024]

Making a move to NH in the summer of 2012 and currently looking at the Rye area. The working plan is that I find a few acres and have a house built on it. I've been reading a lot about passive solar design with super high insulation levels - some people have said that on a sunny day in the middle of winter, a house like this can maintan 64 degrees with no other form of heat. Given where the price of fossil fuels is going, that's of obvious interest to me.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with an architect, builder, or design/build firm that specializes in this sort of construction. I'm going to be making some trips out there throught the coming year and would like to get the process started.

Thanks!

[Lincolnian]

I just built a passive solar home in CT. I oriented it due south and used 2 1/2 ft overhangs to block the high summer sun but allow the lower winter sun deep into the house.

I also insulated the walls r25 and ceilings min r60 using a high density blown in product with a bib system.

It is true that on a sunny day even with outside temps in the upper 20s/30s it is mid to upper 60s in my house with my set back thermostats set at 58.

I also used a 95% multispeed hot air system and have only used 10 to 15% of my 1000 propane tank since it was filled last May. It is also used for hot water, cooking and a fireplace.

I know a good source in CT for custom design but not in NH.

[steveusaf]

I've followed this guy on greenbuildingtalk.com, as I'm also interested in building a very energy efficient house in Barrington.

R.H. Irving Company, Inc. - Energy Efficient "Green" Builders, New Hampshire

He's a certified Passivehouse Consultant. He's located in central NH, but said he'd work in Barrington. Not sure if he'd go all the way to the coast. Cant vouch for his reputation, but he appears very experienced and knowledgable based on his posts. If he can't help you, he can probably recommend someone on the seacoast who can.

I'll be consulting with him next year to go over the basics of my house design. Good luck...

[steveusaf]

Oh, forgot to mention. I hope you have a very large suitcase of money to bring with you for that few acres of land near Rye. Even small 1/2 acre lots are easily in the six figure range. You pay dearly for being that close to the ocean....

[jgreen1024]

Yup, I'm trying to get myself prepared for that. Wife wants to be close to the ocean so I'm trying to accomodate. It's a bit of compromise - she wants to live in the metro Boston area (family there), I said "no way, not in MA and definitely not in Boston, but NH would be OK", and she said "fine, but near the ocean." We'll see how it works out. I'm going to fly out this winter and check out the area a bit. I've driven through some piece of Rye before but honestly didn't spend much time there. The lower tax rate versus Portsmouth is what's attracting me there.