Swain House and Garage

Solar Envelope House January 1993

This set consists of architectural drawings, sketches, and conceptual renderings related to the design and development of residential and utility structures by Jasper Ward. The Walter P. Swain, Jr. House, located on Johnston Dr. in Watchung, New Jersey, was designed by the firm Ward-Knight and built in 1952. The residence was constructed of mahogany, white marble, reinforced concrete, and glass and sits on 7-acre site. It was awarded the American Institute of Architects, National Award of Merit in 1956. The set includes sketches of the garage and house extension, emphasizing functionality in residential design.

The main focus is on a solar envelope house with detailed floor plans, cross-sectional views, elevation drawings, and perspective renderings. Annotated diagrams illustrate the movement of air and heat within the solar envelope house, showcasing the integration of solar features into the building's overall aesthetic and functionality. These materials highlight energy efficiency and passive solar design strategies typical of mid-20th-century sustainable architecture. (Note: Documents relating to the "solar envelope house" may refer to the Swain house, but it is unclear if the home used solar energy. These documents may relate to the Vernon Robertson Solar House instead.)

Ward, Jasper D. (1921-2002) Architectural Drawings, 1924-1997, The Filson Historical Society, Louisville, Kentucky

Mss. AR W259 Folder 044 Item 001-015