70 Pine St,

Princeton, NJ 08542

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 NY 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 2 full bathrooms serve 2 bedrooms with lofts, the vaulted main suite and a shared study alcove. Double off-street parking spaces are a valuable rarity in this center-of-it-all neighborhood, as is the generous fenced yard, complete with a playhouse, shed and garden. If ever there was a time to celebrate and commit to greener living, it’s now!