The Geneva Historical Society Tour of Homes

House # 9, The Halfman House, 693 Route 14, Penn Yan, NY

This new home of Professor John Halfman, his wife Barb, a geoscience technician, and their family, was designed to be extremely energy-efficient. Where possible, other ‘green’ construction methods were used.

Proper orientation and south glass allow for passive solar heating in the cooler months; low windows on the south side, high windows on the north side and an open floor plan encourage natural cooling breezes in the summer. A super-insulated envelope (with soy-based foam and rigid panels) limits air infiltration and will greatly reduce the amount of energy required to keep everyone comfortable both summer and winter. The radiant flooring puts the heat where it’s needed and results in human comfort at a lower temperature than a forced air system. Photovoltaic panels mounted on the roof are used to offset electrical consumption.

Their house was designed with what architect Rick Hauser calls “a smaller environmental footprint.” Visitors will see a Hearth Wall concept in that an 8-foot wide basement contains all the mechanicals and utilities with the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room on the first floor directly above.