Zero-carbon, infinitely cool: This Alaskan home is an eco-dream

While the Grunau’s house may look pretty standard for an eco-build from the outside – Solar panels? Check. Natural wood cladding? Check. – it’s truly innovative design elements are hidden under the surface.

The first step in creating a carbon-zero home – in Alaska, no less – is limiting heat loss. First off, the Grunau’s surrounded the base of the home with thick slabs of foam. Next, they built a double wall that’s insulated with cellulose. In total, that exterior wall is 24-inches thick, which is much denser than conventional homes.

Bruce notes that per hour, the house uses under 10,000 BTUs, the measurement of the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water. In contrast, the average house in Fairbanks is easily over 40,000 BTUs per hour.

Six solar panels warm a 2,500-gallon underground tank, which then heats up the radiant flooring. In colder months, the Grunau’s fire up their masonry wood burner – which also warms the underground tank – for extra heat.

Although the Grunau’s spent more money for greening their home, they’re confident the extra costs should pay for its self within six years, based on the current price of oil. The couple are confident the house will last for over 100-years without any issues.