An eco-conscious design was equally important . Sullivan wanted a home that could be off the grid . Case in point : a geothermal heating system that cools in the summer and heats in the winter , along with spray foam in the walls and ceiling to minimize energy loss .
There are also solar panels on the gray metal roof that fuel the lights as well as the heating system , and they also charge his electric car in the garage . ( One recent winter , Sullivan ’ s bill for the month was $ 23 , and that paid for the house ’ s electricity , heat and running his car .) DiMauro estimates the system generates enough solar power to cover about 95 percent of the building ’ s energy consumption .
“ It ’ s been a dream of mine to have a home with a solar roof capable of using sunlight to charge my car ,” Sullivan says . “ I know it ’ s not magic , but it sure feels like it . Photosynthesis by plants is more amazing , but a contemporary farmhouse that produces HVAC using water from geothermal wells and the sun to run the car makes me very comfortable now about an even more amazing future .” �
THIS PAGE , LOWER LEFT : Solar panels artfully blend in with the gray metal roof . LOWER RIGHT : The laundry room cabinets are custom made by Anthony Pastore . Pastore Builders made all the cabinetry , including the vanities ( left ). Project architect was John Tumino .
FACING PAGE , TOP : The coffee table in the living room was a find at a Marshalls home sale down South . BOTTOM : The master suite has a private patio .
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