What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
1. Describe any general site development features that support site climatic conditions, sustainable low-impact living, such as solar lot orientation, energy conservation, native or drought tolerant landscaping and proximity to shopping or public transit.
The home is located in a sensitive marine environment on a small (32-foot-wide), sloping lot with a community offsite septic drain field. In order to mitigate impact on the site and nearby water, compost-filled “sleeves” and straw bales were installed around the perimeter of the site. The excavation for the new foundation included installation of an extensive French drain system which protects the basement allowing storm water run-off to percolate through the soil before entering the ocean. Water run-off is managed by a metal roof with a rainwater collection system and two living landscaped roof segments. All hard surface permeable pavers were used in the landscape which allow for water to percolate directly into the soil. Captured rainwater supplies the landscape and “edible garden” drip irrigation system and replenish the hot tub. Natural and drought-resistant plants reduce the need for irrigation.
2. Describe project/site recycling and re-use procedures and/or efforts to reduce/recycle construction waste.
Recycling began at the point of deconstruction of the original cottage. Eighty (80) percent of the original dwelling was diverted from the landfill as certified by the deconstruction consultant team member. Building materials were either reclaimed for use in the new home (e.g. pine paneling, light fixtures, cabinets, and millwork and doors); redirected for use in other projects (e.g. doors, fir flooring, 2x4’s, beams and plumbing fixtures); or recycled (e.g. salvageable wood, concrete, and metal). During construction recycling bins were provided for workers to recycle all building waste. The bulk of building waste products were scheduled to be reclaimed regularly by a subcontractor who sorted and recycled materials that met the criteria. Existing landscape plants were carefully removed and transplanted at other locations.
Quantifiable results:
Avoided 80% landfill fees both in deconstruction & new construction
Reduced waste amounted to more than 70 tons (140,000 pounds).
Increased life expectancy of building materials: 50+-year recycled metal roof, 50+-year cement fiberboard siding, 10-year-warranted countertops, lifetime warranted insulation, lifetime warranted kitchen faucets, glass shower doors (instead of vinyl curtains), etc.
80% of the original dwelling was diverted from the landfill and approximately 15% of the salvage materials were reused in the new home. (About 5 % of the materials were reused by the owners’ son in his home!)
Approximately 30-40% of the materials used in the home contain recycled materials (e.g. cupola stair treads and floor are recycled from CVG fir bleachers; wine cellar is nearly all recycled materials—racks made from: original cedar decking, ceiling and baseboard and leftover flooring material from the new home; lighting fixtures from recycled wine bottles; cabinet from the original home and recycled wine boxes; and door and interior windows from architectural salvage; countertops and tiles containing recycled glass; shelving and countertop containing agricultural waste; countertops made of recycled paper; furnace slag in concrete foundation; recycled steel in roof; recycled content in garage door; reclaimed alder doors in master bath).
Waste reduction, reuse, and/or recycling during the life of the home are encouraged further by the installation of a built-in recycling bin in the kitchen, incorporation into the landscape design of an area set aside for paper/glass/metal and yard/food waste recycling containers. Durable and natural products encourage waste reduction as they are designed to last longer or to be recyclable keeping them out of the landfill.
3. Describe heating and cooling energy efficiency features for local, state and/or national energy conservation ratings achieved, performance testing results, infrared thermography on the plan submitted such as insulation value, ratings for primary building components (“R” or “U” values), sustainability, glazing, air infiltration barrier results and envelop component sealing measures, and HVAC systems, and major appliances energy efficiency achieved.
First and foremost the owner/developers were committed to building—and exceeding—the standards for six different local and national green building certifications. That commitment led to stringent preconstruction energy analysis and guidelines for the decision-making process for including energy efficiency features all along the way. Every process and product was measured against these standards. From heating options (solar, wind, and geothermal were all considered; geothermal radiant in-floor heat made the final cut; the photovoltaic panels were installed on the garage roof to take the best advantage of the site’s orientation.) to decisions on windows, insulation, framing, and appliances energy efficiency was paramount.
R Value and type:
• Slab edge insulation: R-10 Rigid
• Roof/ceiling insulation: R-49 blown-in cellulose and 100% water-blown foam insulation
• Foundation insulation: concrete slab perimeter R-10 Rigid
• Basement insulation: R-19 Rigid
• Above-ground wall: R-23 100% water-blown foam insulation (with advanced framing)
The U-value for the windows was a combination of 0.29 and 0.30, depending on the window. The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is 0.19 or 0.22, depending on the window.
Air Infiltration Barrier: Exterior air infiltration barrier was made of spun bonded polyolefin, non-woven, non-perforated material.
Air-sealing measures: The house is wrapped in commercial-grade air barrier, with seams overlapped six (6) inches and covered a four (4) inch air barrier tape. Wall penetrations are sealed with a rubber or plastic target-flashing. Windows are wrapped and sealed with moisture/air stop flashing.
Duct-sealing measures: The home is heated with in-floor geothermal radiant heat. There are no heating ducts. Duct-work for the HRV is sealed with foil tape.
Percentage of conditioned space: 100%
Fluorescent fixtures: master closet, storage rooms, mechanical rooms. Compact fluorescent light bulbs were used in approximately 60-70% of the remaining fixtures throughout the house.
Day-lighting measures: The majority of the windows are on the south, east and west sides of the home where daylight is most prevalent. Daylight is also provided through a cupola at the top of the open stairwell that runs from the cupola to the basement. Light-colored paint was used throughout the home’s interior to reflect interior light.
HVAC
• Heating: Geothermal Ground-source Heat Pump COP: 3.7
• No cooling was provided. However cross ventilation is created via operable windows and use of the cupola.
• Mechanical ventilation: Heat Recovery Ventilator to bath fans.
• Solar Panels: Photovoltaic used to supplement power use.
Appliances:
• Dish drawer dishwashers: Energy Star® rated at 323 kWh/year
• French door refrigerator: Energy Star® rated
• Steam, front-load washer: Energy Star® rated; 70% less water and 77% less energy than standard washers
4. Describe any features that conserve water, energy that provides superior indoor air quality certifications and measures taken to prevent mold/moisture intrusion.
Water conservation was addressed in a variety of ways. Outdoors, pervious concrete, permeable pavers, living landscape roof segments, and rainwater catchment barrels create less impervious surfaces and control storm water run-off. Captured rainwater supplies the landscape and “edible garden” drip irrigation system and replenish the hot tub. Natural and drought-resistant plants reduce the need for irrigation. Indoors, dual-flush or low-flow toilets, low-flow faucets, water-saving washer and dishwashers, tankless hot water heaters, and a hot water re-circulating pump help mitigate excess water usage.
Indoor air quality was paramount, in part because the home was certified to American Lung Association (ALA) Health House standards. The geothermal ground- source heat pump, tankless water heaters and propane fireplaces are sealed-combustion-type. Per ALA Health House standards, a central vacuum system was installed. No use of toxic cleaners and construction materials was allowed. Pest control was handled through termite shield/sill sealer.
All paints and wood finishes were water-based low- or no-VOC. All particleboard products and interior door and agriboard shelving were formaldehyde-free MDF. No carpet was used in the home; all floors throughout the home are hard-surface, natural products such as FSC-certified wood and bamboo, all natural linoleum tiles, and lead-free ceramic tile. Window coverings were made of Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified® fabrics.
Mold/moisture intrusion was mitigated through the use of a commercial-grade air/moisture barrier wrap, sealed with moisture barrier tape; moisture barrier flashing around windows; and target flashing panels around electrical and plumbing penetrations. Additional methods included: sill sealer, roof venting, rigid insulation in basement/crawlspace walls, installation of a heat recovery ventilator, high-efficiency bathroom & laundry fans, and site preparation which included grading away from the foundation and installing an extensive French drain system.
5. Describe any special materials or systems used in construction to support energy conservation, efficiency and sustainability.
In the new house—in an effort to support energy conservation—a combination of reused, reclaimed, recycled and recyclable products was incorporated. The extensive list includes:
1. Reused: pine paneling for a wainscot in the great room; pine millwork for the fireplace mantel; original light fixtures in great room and laundry room; two original doors combined for a barn door; and original cabinets in the “exercraft,” great room and wine cellar; and original ocean-side decking for wine racks;
2. Reclaimed: marble for the kitchen island; door and windows for the wine cellar;
3. Recycled: denim (recycled blue jeans) insulation for interior walls; glass-content tiles; glass-content countertops; paper-content countertops; agricultural fiber-content countertops and shelving; furnace blast slag-content concrete for the foundation; crushed concrete for filtering material under the pervious concrete; beach and other found glass chandelier and custom breakfast bar; recycled-content garage door.
4. Recyclable: glass tiles & shower doors; natural rock floors; natural quartz countertops; blown-in insulation; natural FSC-certified wood products.
5. Reduction of materials was accomplished with best-use practices such as advanced framing and products such as plaster moldings which create less waste.
In addition, whenever possible, local materials, systems, and manufacturers were chosen to reduce the impact of embodied energy waste.
The home was constructed using advanced framing—twenty-four inches on center. This method allows for less wood use—and waste—and for higher insulation factors. The insulation is a blown-in, water-based cellulose material which offers superior insulation without negatively impacting indoor air quality. High-tech sheer walls were installed on the water side of the home to maximize the Port Susan Bay views. Careful attention was paid to weatherproofing the home as well, since the home is in an ocean area that receives a significant amount of rainfall. Cement fiberboard was installed over commercial-grade air barrier fabric which was sealed with barrier tape. Window & door openings were protected with a moisture-stop flashing and all other penetrations were target-flashed with panels made from High & Low Density Polyethylene Copolymer Bapolene and Hercuprene J-Von and Thermal Plastic Rubber.
Product durability (sustainability) was a high priority, as many products were specifically sourced and used for this quality. The exterior enveloped design was also dependent on durability of materials as the home is built on a wind-blown lot in a marine environment and must stand up to some severe weather. The exterior products such as the metal roof, the cement fiberboard siding, termite guard, and weather-proofing carry a 50+ year life warranty. Interior products such as natural quartz-content countertops and high-quality, long-life, low-water use, low plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient appliances durability was a consideration in every decision. The builder warrants the home against defects in workmanship and materials for one (1) year, in-wall plumbing and electrical systems and exterior paint/stain for two (2) years, structural defects for ten (10) years. In addition, many of the home’s features carry manufacturer warranties. A “green” expert construction consultant team member oversaw the entire building process to verify that the project was meeting not only design specifications but also requirements for six different green building certifications.
6. Describe any special/unique educational/public awareness features not covered above such as sales and marketing programs that are focused towards the homeowner and general consumer, and any partnerships formed to advance building green, resource efficiency benefits.
Even before construction began plans were made to bring the project to the mainstream. Partnerships were formed with local experts on energy and resource efficiency and green building, as well as in the coordination of certification program inspections and testing. The team collaborated with local environmental groups (Shore Stewards, Camano Island Backyard Habitat group, Puget Sound Action Team, ASES National Solar Tour, etc.); provided educational institution tours and presentations (University of Washington Department of Construction Management, Bates Technical College, Seattle University Design students, & Bellevue Community College); and developed partnerships with project sponsors (co-promotion, educational displays, tours, events, docents, special events, PR). During construction a project website reported progress and shared information on build-green building practices. The home was open for 3 weekends of public open tours and private events. Signage throughout house gave detailed information on products and processes that made the house green.
The website, launched during site work, attracted nearly 9,000 unique visitors by project completion.
Presentations have been made at public & industry events (approx. 40 total, including IBS, Custom Home Building Symposium, the EEBA, and West Coast Green). A continuing education class for Realtors® on building green has been approved and taught in Washington state and Oregon. The home has been featured in articles in local newspapers, local and national publications (such as Smart Homeowner and Natural Home) and industry publications (such as Environmental Design + Construction and BUILDERNews) and filmed for upcoming television program on a new Discovery channel green program all with an eye toward providing education geared toward home builders and consumers. The website now has a blog in which the owners/developers plan to continue reporting to the public the performance of the home. It also contains a detailed list of products and processes in the home that could be labeled “green” and where to source them.Property Description
A Deep Green Custom Home without Equal
The home, known to thousands as Going Green at the Beach, is now available for purchase. Located in Port Susan on the bay at Warm Beach, about 60 minutes north of Seattle, it boasts five different green certifications:
• LEED for Homes – GOLD
• Five Star Built Green
• American Lung Association Health House
• Environments for Living
• Energy Star Certified Home
The house and guest suite celebrate hundreds of green attributes:
• geothermal heat
• solar PV system with inverter and battery back-up
• rainwater catchment that feeds the edible organic garden
• green roof
• advanced framing
• blown-in insulation
• pervious concrete and pavers
• universal design features
• cement fiberboard siding and metal roof
• And many green interior features.
Designed with smart spaces, the two bedroom, four bath main house includes a “hidden office,” media-music room and it’s very own lighthouse (cupola)! A wall of energy- efficient windows provides views to amazing sunsets, the water and beach of Port Susan Bay, and a plethora of bird and aquatic life. The fully-contained guest retreat has all the amenities of home and provides privacy for you as well as your guests. Just a few steps to your own waterfront (yes, tidelands are included) you can kayak, canoe or water ski and fish. Catch your own Dungeness crab, have a salad from your garden and watch the changing tides.
Deep green? Yes, but not lacking in luxury amenities the home has a very well-appointed gourmet kitchen, built-in commissioned art countertop and light fixture, hot tub, steam and exercise rooms, a 1000 bottle custom wine cellar and even a fun outdoor Tiki bar.
Winner of regional and national awards (including the National Association of Home Builders Built Green Custom Home of the Year in 2008) it has been featured on local and national television (Discovery’s Planet Green “Renovation Nation”) and featured in scores of local and national publications.
Neighborhood Description
Going Green At The Beach is built in the neighborhood of Warm Beach on Port Susan, a rural waterfront area with natural beauty and wildlife. The development was established more than 100 years ago and homes range in age from 1-100 years old. It is a typical eclectic beach community with everything from 2 room beach cabins to custom homes of 3,000 square feet and more. Many of the homes have been in the same family for generations. There is a community park, public boat launch area, small grocery and access to public transportation.Market Area
The nearest town with all basic services is Stanwood, which started out as a timber town more than 100 years ago. Today the population of the town and surrounding area tops 40,000. There are large supermarkets, restaurants, shops, theater, medical and dental clinics, gyms, and other basic services. The home is also just over one hour from Seattle, a large metropolitan area of more than 1 million people.School District
Community
Location of Home or Land
Rural
Elevation of Home
Sea Level
Air Quality
| Agriculture in Area | yes |
| Industry in Area | yes |
| Air Pollution in Area | yes |
| Pesticide Free | yes |
| Fragrance Free | yes |
| Cleaned with Green Products | yes |
Interior Environment
| Heating System | Geothermal |
| Cooling System | Passive Cooling |
| Ventilation System | Heat Exchanger |
| Whole House Filtration | HEPA filtration |
| Whole House Vacuum | yes |
Energy & Water
| Energy System | Photovoltaic (PV) |
| Water System | Other |
| Wastewater System | Septic System |
Construction Information
| Exterior Finish | Shingles - Other |
| Interior Finish | Gypsum Board - Sheet Rock |
| Interior Paint | No VOC |
| Floor Material | Concrete |
| Roof Material | Metal |
| Window Material | Vinyl or Vinyl Clad |
| Insulation Material | Urethane Foam |
Garage / Car Port
| Garage / Carport | yes |
| Garage Type | detached |
| Number of Cars | 2 |
| Garage Area | 360 sqft |
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