The entry facade of the Vashon Dental Clinic illustrates the south facing windows and roof overhangs of this pioneering earth sheltered passive solar building from Design Northwest. Innovative use of standard materials and methods allowed us to construct this sustainable building at conventional costs. Due to its highly efficient use of solar energy, the annual heating and cooling expenditures (for the 2600 square foot clinic portion of the building) are expected to be approximately $130, based on early usage patterns adjusted for current electrical costs. Read more about the clinic here...
The sculptural massing of the entryway is highlighted in a closer view of the front of the building.
The wing wall that holds the earth berm away from the south facing window is visible in the close up view of south east corner of the building .
The earth sheltering is clearly apparent in this view of the north east corner of the building. Also evident are the wing walls that retain the earth from the east window well.
This view shows the east facing window well and associated retaining wing walls in greater detail.
