photos by Todd Pickering

Ecological Project Design

• Structure was oriented to utilize good southwestern exposure.
• Passive solar home design with clear glazing on south-facing windows, concrete slab for mass and deep-roof overhangs for summer shading.
• Permaculture elements designed into landscape areas.

Mindful Materials Handling

• Recycling
• • Cardboard, metal, paper and wood were recycled during project construction.
  • Saw dust was composted on site.
• Reusing
• • Salvaged metal used for decorative trim and stair rail to second floor.
  • Excavation spoils were reused on site for landscaping fill.

Sustainable Materials Integration

• Foundation concrete contained 35% fly ash content.
• Salvaged material used extensively for framing and finished beam material.
• Remaining portion of framing lumber was FSC-certified.
• All exterior redwood trim and fascia material was salvaged from red wine casks.
• All interior trim was douglas fir salvaged from bases of red wine casks.
• Salvaged "Australian Chestnut" flooring from EcoTimber used in bedrooms.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

• Roof set up for future 4 KW PV solar electric system.
• High-efficiency hot water radiant system installed.
• Spray-foam insulation used at exterior envelope.

Healthy Interiors

• UltraTouch cotton insulation used in interior walls.
• Low-VOC construction adhesives.
• Low- and zero-VOC paint used at interior walls.
• Low-VOC OSMO finishes and lime paints used at interior woodwork.

Resource Conservation

• Locally-milled lumber used for siding to reduce transportation costs.
• Dual-flush toilets
• Asko front-loading washing machine
• ENERGY STAR appliances
• Low-water native plants
• Landscape water management system and use of natural contours for water run off in garden areas.