Full Description: The primary criteria in designing and creating the house and land have been environmental sustainability and green, non-toxic, healthy construction. Guided by the principles in Paula Baker-Laporte's Prescriptions for a Healthy House and Dan Chiras's The Natural House, every care has been taken to ensure that the systems, materials, and ongoing life of the home are all consistent with these values. Heat provided by soapstone Tulikivi masonry heater. Two burns per day keep the house toasty. Wood use: approximately three cords per year. All wood for heating can be harvested on the property or purchased from area vendors. Carefully designed, functional wood storage areas for maximal drying and accessibility. Passive solar design supplements wood heat. Southern-facing glass. Thermal mass, provided by stone flooring with deep concrete slab in dining area, reclaimed black granite counters, and Tulikivi, absorbs heat and slowly raises the temperature in the house on winter afternoons by several degrees. Carefully architected window overhangs admit sun during cold months, when the sun is low in the sky, and provide shade during the summer when the sun is high.