A Bit of the Northwest
Holly Leber of The Chattanooga Times Free Press writes,
Stephen and Vicki Monroe knew they wanted an energy-efficient, maintenance-free home. Collaborating with Trey Wheeler at TWH Architects and builder Ethan Collier of Collier Construction, the Monroes mapped out a vision for their new house. "(Mr. Collier and Mr. Wheeler) were very helpful in getting our vision designed and built," Dr. Monroe said, noting that he and his wife didn't want a house that felt too modern. They wanted to combine modernism with traditional design to achieve what they called a 'Northwest' feeling. The look emphasizes glass. The heavily windowed walls allow in lots of natural light and a vie
w of the woods behind the house, a natural wildlife preserve. A glass folding door opens to a screened porch, creating an indoor/outdoor dining space.
"Our heating and electric bills have been very low, despite the size of the house," said Dr. Monroe, who estimated the electric bill in summer to be $130 for the 5,000-square-foot home.
