Green building techniques, rainwater harvesting, and a constructed wetlands septic system are also integrated into the design and operation of Chez Soleil. This results in a totally self-sufficient design which provides water, wastewater, and electric utilities on site. Chez Soleil is an experimental house which will incorporate a variety of active systems for supplementing the primary heating and cooling systems already in place. The living area is roughly 3000 square feet not including the garage and attached sunspace. The entire house is also oriented about 20 degrees East of South, in order to enhance solar heating during winter mornings.
Fresh air enters the attached sunspace through vents from the outside.
Operable windows are strategically located on opposite corners of the house encouraging the natural breezes. Ceiling fans are located in large open areas to circulate air and help cool during warm months. Vents are connected at the ceiling level on both floors for drawing hotter air through the wind tower where it escapes to the outside. Shutters near the top and bottom of the wind tower can be closed to stop this air flow when it is not desired. A large amount of stone, concrete, and block provides for high internal thermal mass which moderates temperature swings within the house.