His house is an interpretation of a Prince Edward Island traditional building style. The design also incorporates a square crow's nest tower in the centre of the roof that aids in venting unwanted heat gain in the summer. Solar design features of his compact house include an activated concrete slab foundation for thermal mass, a continuous air circulation system, and high levels of insulation. The entire shelter is earth-bermed, with the lower level varying from two to eight feet below grade. Living spaces are stacked on two levels on the south side of the house.
Heating is supplied by a wood stove and a backup electric furnace.
Distribution of heat is aided by a ceiling fan, and by the open plan, two-storey space on the south. The addition is partially earth sheltered, with the floor set one foot below grade. Inexpensive building materials were used to keep the cost of the addition to a minimum. Lumber for the roof and wall framing was roughsawn 2 x 4 which had slight variations in actual dimensions.