Solstice 1 is a four-story building 112 feet by 84 feet, with an enclosed central court. The only enclosed space outside the main building is a greenhouse and additional solar collectors. Solstice One is planned to be situated near arable land, enabling residents to grow much of their own food in private and community gardens. A number of sizes and configurations for the structure are possible.

Our main objective as designers, architects, and builders is to house people and all their activities in the most functional, aesthetic, and ecological way. This newborn accountability for the quality of our built environment, with particular emphasis on achieving and sustaining an optimum harmony between buildings and nature, signifies an important forward step in architecture. Buildings can collect, store, and generate their own energy; help people produce their own food, and become positive elements in natural landscapes. Living together under one roof, with common walls and shared goods and services, conserves land, construction material and energy.

Apartment buildings, usually symmetrical blocks punched with uniform window openings regardless of orientation are a poor choice for most people. Solstice One, on the other hand, is an attempt to integrate the privacy and flexibility inherent in detached homes with the energy conservation and prospects for community activities facilitated by living under one roof.

Solstice One provides individuals, families and communal groups with a three-dimensional framework of columns and beams within which they can design and build their own living quarters. This participatory design process is fairly complex and requires experienced guidance. Therefore, we have conducted simulations to help determine realistic parameters for self help design within a three dimensional structure. It has helped establish building expectations based upon health, safety, structural integrity, aesthetics, principles of energy conservation, and most importantly, a reasonable balance between community and privacy.

Groups who want more information about this project should contact us!