The firm recently completed a residential turbine structure, the first in New Canaan. Partner McKee Patterson, AIA, designed the project and answers questions about the process.
What were some of the concerns about the turbines?
Noise. Initially, the neighbors and the homeowners simply wanted to be assured about the noise level. We chose turbines specifically engineered for residential use. They are small and powered by low wind velocity. Now that they are up and running, everyone on the site comments on how silent and graceful they are.
How will the turbines' energy be directed?
Since the wind in New Canaan is inconsistent and storage on site is not effective, all generated energy will be sent back to the grid. The turbines start to generate energy at 8 m.p.h.
Did aesthetics play a role
in the project?
The design of the turbine building was paramount for us as design-focused architects. The structure references classic windmills found throughout Connecticut and there was in fact a windmill on this property in its former life as a farm. The building is functional providing a bathroom for the nearby pool and barn and a stair to the top; it also houses the mechanical units needed for the turbines. The design of the turbines by Cascade Engineering is artistic, so that the structure presents itself as a large, exuberant sculpture.
