What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
What makes this property “green”? The story behind “green building” at 146 Prospect Drive, San Rafael.
Summary:
1. It starts with “good bones”. The home is built with natural materials; it’s solid wood inside.
2. No pressed wood, particleboard, Tyvek, or laminates used in the renovation means no formaldehyde, CO, acrolein, aldehydes, ketones, or hydrocarbons are out-gassed into the indoor air, improving indoor air quality (IAQ).
3. New construction and furnishings in this home do not contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), which can contribute to dangerous pollutants. Good indoor air quality contributes to good health. The EPA has found levels of organic pollutants to be 2 to 5 times higher inside homes and offices than outside, regardless of whether they are located in rural or highly industrial areas.
4.The US Green Building Council detail the range of benefits in building green. Savings of 20% to 50% in energy costs are typical when downsized HVAC equipment, day lighting, site orientation, and energy-efficient technologies are used. Savings are also associated with water conservation, improved maintenance, and equipment replacement.
5. Bringing in a breath of fresh air. The Perfect Air fresh air intake / heat exchanger brings fresh air indoors, HVAC systems XE 1200 high efficiency Trane air conditioner, Trane UV 90 variable speed gas closed combustion furnace contribute to a high quality indoor air environment.
6. Better water quality with a reverse osmosis filtration system installed. Highly efficient water automated drip irrigation system keeps the landscape green.
7. Use of eco-friendly native trees and ground cover enhances new landscaping. Vinca (periwinkle) ground cover and ivy were planted to prevent soil erosion. A young groove of Redwoods planted to replace the scotch broom in the east yard creates beauty, privacy and contribute to noise abatement.
Wood sidewalks leading to front door were extended to the sides with railings, to create a setback with planters to frame the property, showcasing the white lilies planted along the front of the property.
8. Additional access to 2nd floor and bottom levels keeps foot interior foot traffic down and keeps the home’s interior clean. New staircases, walkways, decks and landings provide access to the outdoors from every level and create private entrances to 5 areas of the home.
9. New exterior drainage system added to keep the property dry. A French drain was installed around the front of the home’s perimeter, and a new drainage system designed for runoff from the street and driveway.
10. Use of recycled materials. An old metal headboard that was recycled, painted, and suspended from the top fascia boards and roof to support vines. Old Breuer dining room chairs were recovered with old blankets and velvet to create elegant seating. An old siding glass door was transformed into an office desktop.
11. Resurfacing the driveway, and installation of new structural support and drains. A new cement-resurfacing product from Kwikcrete was applied to level the driveway for proper drainage and improve surface texture. Mason’s Select transparent concrete stain, a water based colorant was applied when the cement was cured with an airless sprayer to create the look of natural stone. AFM Penetrating WaterStop was applied as a final coat and sealer. Drains were installed to catch water run off from the street on the north side of the property and under the driveway.
12. Pest control is introduced utilizing integrative pest management techniques. No pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals have been used. The hill was injected with Nematodes, a natural parasite to the hillside sub-terrain termites prior to move in. A Plexiglas barrier was installed under the home to keep pests out, but allow lost critters to leave the property unharmed.
13. Custom exterior lighting automatically illuminates three levels of decks and entrances to the home The installation of an energy efficient low voltage exterior lighting system added beauty and security to the home. Dust to dawn sensors provide automatic lighting at entrances, on exterior stairways, and on landings without glare.
14. The house has a dedicated electric power connection installed, connecting it to a major thoroughfare on a grid that is free of rolling blackouts.
15. The roof was raised and vented to allow heat to dissipate. Sunteck screens and UV window film to help regulate glare, heat and protect furnishings.
16. Passive solar heat from a centrally located solarium contributes to energy savings.
17. Halogen and fluorescent lighting, replace older less energy efficient incandescent lights throughout the home. New energy efficient lighting fixtures were installed throughout. On the bottom floor halogen lighting was recessed into the ceilings and dimmers were added to control lighting levels.
18. More efficient use of space. An entry area on the 2nd level north was created from raw space found behind double sliding closet doors. Soundproofing added beneath the flooring adds sound abatement.
19. The kitchens were updated with energy efficient appliances. Old gas stoves emitting petrochemical fumes were removed and replaced with stainless steel appliances, halogen cook tops and convection ovens. Inert materials such as metal and glass and ceramic tile for countertops and cabinet doors contribute no VOCs to IAQ.
20. Low VOC paints used include AFM no VOC Safecoat interior wall paint, AFM low VOC sealers such as AFM Hardseal and Benjamin Moore’s Pristine Eco-Spec. These paints and sealers were used throughout the home.
21. A glass door replaced a solid door at the entryway allowing natural daylight in. A glass door was also installed on the 2nd level to allow light into the 2nd bedroom of the in-law unit facing the hallway.
22. Installation of ¾” solid hardwood flooring adds beauty and support a dust free environment. 5” wide planks of solid ¾” red oak flooring, with no glue in-between layers of thinner wood, and no laminate on top, were installed with nails, and without glue.
23. Custom windows and doors maximize natural daylight and add to energy savings. Single paned windows were replaced with double pane windows where needed.
24. Handcrafted metal finishes added appeal without adding VOCs. A custom living room fireplace was created using glass coated copper sheets, which require no polishing, over stainless steel. The gas starting fireplace insert contributes warmth throughout the living area.
25. Unfinished storage space on the bottom floor was finished, adding 2 large studios and a bath.
26. Electrical has been updated, an Ethernet computer network installed for every floor. Entertainment is accessed in multiple locations in the home, from a satellite dish network and cable television.Property Description
146 Prospect Drive is a custom, tri-level, contemporary home with roughly 3350 square feet that could be used as one living space or easily divided into five separate living spaces. It was designed by architect Keith Franc in 1978; renovations were done utilizing "green building" concepts to support an ecology-minded, sustainable lifestyle.
Natural wood, open post and beam, cathedral ceilings soar to fifteen foot heights on the entire top floor, lifting the spirits, while creating interesting architectural details including triangular windows and nooks up high. Solid hardwood and Italian tile flooring added throughout the entire home compliment the natural wood of the ceilings and create an allergy-friendly environment. Soundproofing added beneath the flooring adds another dimension of comfort.
Inert materials, including quartzite, glass and aluminum, copper, steel and stone are beautifully used throughout. Hardwood is used generously, replacing laminates, particleboard and plywood with natural materials. Unique designer elements were added including a handcrafted copper and steel fireplace with a glass enclosure to contain wood smoke emissions while adding a warm glow. Walls are painted with AFM Safecoat products from Green Fusion containing low or no VOCs offer a beautiful, reflective to the home.
Raised and vented roofing dissipates heat in the summer, naturally cooling the interior. A passive solar solarium in the living area, on the top floor, streams natural daylight throughout and 4 skylights greet the sun, moon and stars. Custom screen doors and skylights screens are made with Sunteck, a strong material that absorbs heat and glare. Comfortable temperatures add a pleasant ambiance to the environment.
On the inside, energy efficient technology provides extraordinary air quality. An air exchanger can be used to bring fresh air in and move it through an air filter system. The filters remove dust, chemicals, mold and other particulates. The air is then warmed in a closed combustion furnace, and cooled with energy efficient air conditioning. The system also has humidity controls for the comfort of a climate controlled environment.
The commitment to "green" is not just on the surface, laboratory testing was done to uncover indoor pollutants that otherwise might have got swept under the rug. Pesticides have been eliminated, replaced by innovative bio-integral pest management, to keep the critters away naturally.
Life is harmonious on this hilltop where deer and bluejays thrive. The location is 18 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge and transportation is a block away. For more information regarding purchase, rentals or resources contact www.naturalhome.org.
Neighborhood Description
Hills and sylvan views on outskirts of san Rafael. Approximately 30 minutes north of San Francisco in beautiful Marin County.Market Area
Marin County has a very small population compared to other areas around San Francisco. Also, approximatley 80% of the land here is protected which makes for a wonderful environmental setting. San Rafael is the largest town in Central Marin and has a multi-cultural pupulation with lots of different types of restaurants and stores. Wholefoods market is very close by, as is Trader-Joes and the San Rafael farmer\'s market.School District
Location of Home or Land
Suburban
Air Quality
| Agriculture in Area | yes |
| Industry in Area | no |
| Air Pollution in Area | yes |
| Pesticide Free | yes |
| Fragrance Free | yes |
| Cleaned with Green Products | yes |
Interior Environment
| Heating System | Fireplace |
| Cooling System | Conventional Forced Air - A/C |
| Ventilation System | Whole House Fan |
| Whole House Filtration | Other |
| Whole House Vacuum | yes |
Energy & Water
| Water System | Municipal |
| Wastewater System | Municipal |
Construction Information
| Exterior Finish | Wood |
| Interior Finish | Wood - Solid |
| Interior Paint | Low VOC |
| Floor Material | Tile |
| Roof Material | Asphalt Composition Shingle |
| Window Material | Wood Dual Glazed |
| Insulation Material | Other |
Garage / Car Port
| Garage / Carport | no |
| Garage Type | attached |
| Number of Cars | 5 |
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