Groundbreaking architect and ahead-of-his-time environmentalist Douglas Kelbaugh described himself as an architect first and a solar engineer second, which is why the energy-saving home he built in Princeton’s sought-after "tree streets" neighborhood is so visually arresting. People strolling past often wonder about the wall of glass spanning the entire south-facing exterior. It’s an ingenious passive solar heating system known as a Trombe wall and it was among the very first of its kind in the world. As the New York Times noted in a feature about Kelbaugh’s eco-conscious design, “The southern Trombe wall is easily visible and proudly displayed, providing the house with the Modernist view that form follows function.” The same principle was applied to interior spaces, which showcase wood ceilings and exposed concrete walls. The open living room also features a fireplace with strong geometric lines and sliders to the shady stone patio. A greenhouse dining space (which includes a solar water-heating system) lets air-purifying plants thrive through the winter months. An energizing shade of blue brightens the kitchen equipped with a Sub-Zero fridge and a new stainless steel range. Skylights naturally brighten the upper level, where two full bathrooms serve two bedrooms with lofts, the vaulted main suite and a shared study alcove. Double off-street parking spaces are a valuable rarity in this neighborhood, as is the generous fenced yard, complete with playhouse, shed, and garden.

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