A farmer’s porch and large overhangs shade the summer sun, but allow direct winter sun to warm the house. Double stud walls, triple-glazed windows, and a roof insulated to R-60, combined with an efficient air-source heat pump and heat recovery ventilator, creates a very efficient home.

Designed similar to the original Lean Too homes, the Mainestay features a farmer’s porch, polished concrete floors, first-floor master bedroom suite and a breezeway to the garage.