Eastside Journal Open House

A glassed-in greenhouse that doubles as a passive solar energy system is the highlight of the Journal American's home of the week in Bellevue.

Contractor Terry Love says the house, priced at $135,900 was designed to take advantage of the sun to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The tall greenhouse with tiled floor is built onto the back of the house. Large windows overlook an expansive, grassy backyard. Part of the greenhouse wall is made of brick, which is heated by the sun. The warm air is circulated through the house by a fan in the living room that automatically comes on when the greenhouse is warmer than the rest of the home.

The greenhouse is connected to the house through double glass doors that lead into an open, oak-floored kitchen. A tile counter with built-in Jenn-air range doubles as an eating bar. Cast iron sinks add an attractive note.

A carpeted formal dinning room, adjacent to the kitchen, leads into the living room at the front of the house. High uneven ceilings, skylights and lots of grid windows add light to the room. A tiled window seat adds a special touch.

A utility room, half-bathroom and family room are also on the first floor. The family room has a wood-burning stove that Love says should heat the entire 2,000 square-foot home, although there is also a forced air gas heating system. Sliding glass doors lead out onto a back deck that is adjacent to the greenhouse. Another tiled window seat graces one wall in the family room.

Upstairs, the master bedroom overlooks the living room through sliding glass windows. High ceilings add space. An adjoining master bathroom backs up onto the greenhouse to let in more warm air.

Two smaller bedroom are also located upstairs in one bedroom, a glass and wood door leads out to a small private deck. Both bedrooms overlook the backyard. A skylight in the main upstairs bathroom allows light to stream unto an otherwise windowless room.

The house is located at 15243 NE 6th Street, Bellevue.

Plunging in with Patti Payne