Home Description

The house was constructed using SIP (Structural Insulated Panel) construction. The posts and beams are hemlock and the floors are 2-inch tongue and groove pine. Eight inches of polystyrene between the exterior and interior walls provide an R-40 insulation factor. The windows have energy efficient window shades and the basement floor and walls are insulated with polystyrene sheets.

Attached to the house is a two-car garage and breezeway. Spacious exterior decking is provided from the house to the pool. The pool is surrounded by cedar decking. Portions of the deck are designed to accommodate a screen house and a spa/hot tub. The back yard is fenced and suitable for pets. An exterior fenced pen is attached to the garage.

Due to the energy efficiency of this house, the heating requirements are much less than a conventional house. Also, because the house it so “tight” it becomes necessary to provide a clean source of heat to provide a safe interior environment. Radiant electric heat was selected as the best heating alternative and for the first twelve years, was the only heating source in the house other than the solar gain from the south facing windows. Direct vent propane gas heaters were installed in 1995 and 2007 to supplement the radiant heating system to provide additional heating flexibility and cost savings. An air exchange system provides exterior air to the entire house.

What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?

The following features contribute to the natural and healthy home environment.

1. With the SIP construction, there is no air space in the walls so moisture and mold development potential is greatly minimized.

2. Passive solar and radiant heating have no combustion by products and do not contaminate the interior environment. The backup propane heaters are high efficiency and use exterior air for combustion. This also reduces contamination potential.

3. The house is south facing and most of the windows are located on the south side to maximize passive solar heating.

4. All windows are provided with insulated shades to minimize heating expenses.

5. An air exchanger provides continuous fresh air.

6. Fertilizer and pesticide use has been minimized and the driveway has been constructed of gravel and crushed stone to minimize stormwater runoff.

Neighborhood Description

Suburban, The Homeplace residential subdivision is located in Topsham, Maine approximately three miles from Town services and four miles from Interstate 295 and the Topsham Fair Mall. The home is about one mile from the Town's recreational facility and library.

The subdivision has 18 lots, most of which are developed. All lots are about one acre in size and all utilities are underground.

The subdivision is located on a dead-end road so there is no through traffic.

Market Area

Topsham is located in Mid-Coast Maine adjacent to Brunswick and about 30 miles north of Portland. The area is within commuting distance from Augusta and the Lewiston/Auburn area.

School District

SAD 75

Community

Homeplace Subdivision