The Old Man and the Sun

The sun is one place David Noland hasn’t been yet. A writer and adventurer, Noland has trekked through some of the world’s remotest corners—climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, hitchhiked the backroads of Belize, and navigated the jungles of Trinidad—all the while detailing those adventures for National Geographic Adventure, Outside magazine, and two books. However, excluding his stint flying a an ancient Piper Cub from coast to coast, Noland’s adventures have remained largely earthbound.

But no matter: When he set out to build an “old man’s age-in-place home” (his words) he set his sights not on the local Home Depot, but on the star 93 million miles away. Or, more specifically, on harnessing as much of that star’s energy to keep he and his “not-quite-yet-old” wife (also his words, and a more apt description) not just comfortable through all four seasons but with enough juice to power future adventures. “The plan was to make our house small, simple, one floor, close to the road, and without a wood stove,” Noland explains. “Also, in the bargain, I wanted to make it a super-efficient, zero-carbon construction that meets all Passive House standards.”