Author Topic: Building Contest 2013-2 The Eco Dream: The Outside-In Eco Home  (Read 1819 times)

Offline Vinyl

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Building Contest 2013-2 The Eco Dream: The Outside-In Eco Home
« on: February 01, 2013, 06:31:14 PM »
The Outside-In Eco Home
Lot Size: 20x15
Lot Value: $49,512
Content Used: All Expansions, Free Toyota Prius Pack (Solar Panel)
Number of Bed Spaces: 2
Description:  This environmentally friendly home is built directly into a natural hillside.  The walls are made of compressed earth, the floors and ceilings are recovered wide-plank pine, the furnishings are upcycled antique pieces upholstered in remnant vintage fabrics, and the "roof" is a wildflower delight full of native plants.  Solar panels provide more than enough electricity for the ultra-efficient washing machine and dishwasher, while a rain collector on the roof supplements the lot's natural aquifer.  The house and lot are purposefully small to minimize their environmental footprint. 

The retractable wall in the main living area allows full enjoyment of the outdoors any time of year.  Radiant floor heating keeps the home toasty, and the woodburning fireplace helps drive away the deepest frost.  Deciduous trees provide shade in summer, and let the sun's warmth in during winter.  The small indoor greenhouse allows year round organic produce.  Even repurposed antique china serving dishes get eco-friendly when they find new lives as planter pots and pet food dishes!

The outside of the home is nature free and untamed.  A butterfly garden attracts many visitors, while wildflowers pop up all over the yard.  There's no need for artificial fragrances when lavender tickles the laundry hanging on the clothesline.  There's even a natural sundial in the garden, where the shadow of the wooden sculpture touches lazy daisy o'clock (6:00 am), marvellous marigold o'clock (noon), and party pansy o'clock (6:00 pm).  A hive of busy bees keep the plants growing and the house lit.  The small pond under the willow makes a great swimming hole, but watch out for the goldfish - they tickle! 





Notes:
-The mailbox and garbage can might change position on lot placement.  Moveobjects on will let you shift them beside the peony bush as per the pictures (mailbox post in the daisy ground cover, and the garbage can's back against the recycling bin) - or anywhere else you like.
-The flower sundial was designed for 2200 or 2300 Pinochle Point in Sunset Valley.  If your lot is oriented differently, the clock can be "reset" by placing the flower clusters wherever the wood statue shadow hits 6:00 am, noon, and 6:00 pm.  If Seasons is installed, summer is the best time to set the clock.
-Fireproofing the fireplace is highly recommended, either through the handiness skill or the lifetime reward. 

This build can be freely used in stories, etc.