Jim and Laurie live in the Mohawk Valley of Upstate New York. They built their home almost entirely by hand using all local materials. Timber frame construction with straw bale and masonry walls provide thermal mass and super insulation. The home takes advantage of the property geography by being built into the side of the hill (earth burmed) which greatly reduces the heating and cooling load. Jim and Laurie incorporated both active and passive solar systems. The home is off the grid- electricity is produced from the sun and is stored in batteries. Electricity provided is both DC and AC. Domestic hot water is provided by solar thermal panels as well as a wood buring kitchen stove. This home is one of hundreds that open their doors to the public for the Green Buildings Open House the first Saturday of October. For more information, please visit http://www.nesea.org/buildings/openhouse