I have the most beautiful view of my valley and garden. However, it is hindered by something called walls. But, with a little imagination and determination a house could embrace the beauty of Mother Nature such as is the case of photographer David Olson and designer Lilah Horowitz’s recycled window house. The front facade of their house is full of windows, where they can admire the beauty of their West Virginia property.
The journey began when they both quit their jobs and embarked on a salvage window expedition winding them through various garage sales and antique dealers. Each window has a story of its own.
The Clash
The romantic in me started to clash with the energy efficient, practical side of me. “Wouldn’t it to be too cold,” I muttered as I watch the below film about their journey. Windows are so darn inefficient.
However, the house was built in a very environmentally friendly way.
It is small and the salvaged windows allow natural light to penetrate the house reducing the need for day lighting. It appears from the film that the windows allow for wonderful ventilation reducing the need for air conditioning.
In addition, the house contained vintage furniture, recycled wood and an old stove for heating.
And they have their sunrises and sunsets. There is something to say about Mother Earth’s beauty that reaches in and grabs your soul.
The film of their journey
Watch the short film below by half cut tea about their journey and view their house. Thanks to David and Lilah, other couples won’t be afraid to build their own unconventional dream home.
Half Cut Tea . com | Nick Olson & Lilah Horwitz from Matt Glass on Vimeo.
Other unconventional structures on Green Talk:
- Green Concrete Limestone Building Exterior Made of Beer Bottles.
- Garden Atriums, a Sustainable Living Green House.
- Builder Dan Phillips’ Philosophy: One Man’s Trash Is Another’s Home
Photos by Half Cut Tea from Colossal.
Join the Conversation:
- What would your dream home look like?
- Could you live in an all glass home?
Carissa Bonham says
October 7, 2013 at 9:35 pmThis is so cool! I would love a house with a wall of windows facing a garden. You’re right about insulating qualities, though. It’s probably best suited for an area with milder weather than Jersey.
Anna@Green Talk says
October 7, 2013 at 9:36 pmCarissa, the house just looks so dreamy. Can you imagine the sunsets? Anna
Gretchen@HealthfulMama says
October 9, 2013 at 12:37 amI would LOVE the light! The kitchen in my new home has a tall, large window which faces due west. The only time I dislike it is when the intense sun heats up the room at sunset. Otherwise, I hesitate to but any window coverings on it!
Gina Badalaty says
October 9, 2013 at 10:35 amOh it’s dreamy! I love that they found the pieces, giving it so much meaning, creating memories, and making this house a real piece of art. Awesome and inspiring.,
Anna@Green Talk says
October 9, 2013 at 4:42 pmGina, if you watch the video, I love how they open the windows and just sit with their legs dangling outside. Anna
Condo Blues says
October 10, 2013 at 3:11 pmOne day I will have a house with a yard big enough to build a green house out of recycled windows. I may not grow anything in it, but I still want one!
Anna@Green Talk says
October 10, 2013 at 4:10 pmLisa I would love to make on out of screen doors.
Karen Wood says
December 12, 2013 at 8:38 pmI could not only live in it, I could grow a lot of plants in it. I’m thinking how it would look to have several of these erected on a little homestead to use for ones self and animals and plants.
Anna@Green Talk says
December 12, 2013 at 9:04 pmKaren, what a great idea. I love plants too and they would love the sunshine. I dream of being able to build my own greenhouse since I miss my plants the most in the winter. Anna