Today our team is drawing inspiration from community involvement in Denver. The late Denver architect Richard Crowther’s (1910-2006) home, built in 1979, is currently slated for demolition. Crowther, FAIA, known for being a leader in green building ecology practices during the postmodern era (and his hatred of smoking), used this space as his personal laboratory for testing sustainable and healthy building practices.
Wellness Architecture – No Smoking
Our favorite such experiment is the passive heating fuel cell storage system used to capture direct sunlight during the winter months and release its heat slowly throughout the day without the use of electricity or fuel. Remarkably after years of abandonment, the cells, likely some of the earliest of their kind manufactured, are still there!
Experimental fuel cell passive energy storage system
We also love the indoor greenhouse adjacent to the kitchen (pictured above,) and the funky postmodern grey water cistern. Let us know on our social post if you can spot any others, and message if you’d like to get involved saving this piece of Denver history so that others can continue to learn and draw inspiration from it.
– Willie, Designer
Passive solar fuel cell at Richard Crowther’s house – DenverInterior view showing half-circle window
Andrew Mackie
Project Designer & Building Biologist, BBEC
Andrew is a Certified Building Biologist who studied architecture Yale University's School of Architecture and art at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, all of which furthered his passion for old stuff, old places, and classic details. Prior to starting his architecture career, Andrew co-owned and ran a 'Healthy Home and Lifestyle' store for a dozen years, helping people protect their kids, and make homes beautiful and safe. Andrew is currently traveling around the country in an RV with his family looking for cool ducks.
