Architecture Firm:
GMS Architectural Group
Completion Date:
November 2007
Project Format (not yet built / built):
Built
Project Size (sf / site acreage):
House: 2,752 sf Garage with Guest Quarters: 762 sf Lot: 3,933 sf
Project Location:
Stanwood, WA
Interior Designer:
Miller & Associates
General Contractor:
Chaffey Homes
Landscape Designer:
Tom Early of Otak and Zsofia Pasztor of Frog On A Log Landscaping
Lighting Consultant:
Rejuvenation
Structural Engineer:
DCI Engineers
Mechanical Engineer:
EarthHeat
Air Quality Consultant:
Dan Wildenhaus of Atmosphere
Civil Engineer:
Triad Associates
Other:
Education & Outreach: Green Dog Enterprises Green Constuction Consultant: Diane Glenn of Construction Consultants
Owner:
Anna & David Porter
Sustainable Sites:
The home is located in a sensitive marine environment on a small (32-foot-wide), sloping lot with a community offsite septic drain field. The project was considered a remodel of an original 100-year-old beach cabin. The old cabin was carefully deconstructed, diverting 80% of the debris from the landfill. Existing landscape plants were carefully removed and transplanted at other locations. 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
Toward Zero Energy:
A geothermal system (two 200 foot deep bores drilled beneath the garage floor and a ground source heat pump) uses the consistent ambient temperature to power the in-floor radiant system in the main house and supply heated water to prime the tankless water heater for domestic hot water. A recovery pump constantly circulates hot water through the pipes so there’s no waiting or wasted water. The home’s1.2 KW solar power system is expandable to meet changing needs. Currently, there are six photovoltaic panels on the roof of the garage. Four additional 200-watt panels could be added, as well as an extra inverter and additional battery storage. This battery back up system stores excess energy from the solar photovoltaic panels and can augment the home’s electricity in case of power outages. When power is low on the 48-volt battery array, power automatically shifts to a propane generator. The .24 gage metal roofing on this house will greatly decreases heat absorption, which will save energy and increase the life expectancy of the roof by reducing expansion and contraction. The house is plumbed with copper pipes for the potential of future installation of a solar hot water system.
Local and Sustainable Materials:
Building materials from the original home were either reclaimed for use in the new home; redirected for use in other projects; or recycled. Product durability is important to sustainability. Exterior products such as the metal roof, the cement fiberboard siding, termite guard, and weather-proofing and interior products such as natural quartz-content countertops and high-quality, low-water-use plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient appliances ensure long life and less resource waste.
Recognizing that working with local businesses saves transportation energy and supports jobs in the community, wherever possible, materials were purchased from sources in the Pacific Northwest. These included: recycled glass tiles, reclaimed lumber stair treads and shoji screens, recycled paper countertops, low VOC paint, compost for erosion control and landscaping, solar inverter, reclaimed marble, reclaimed architectural fixtures, recycled glass light fixture and mosaic countertop and local stone fireplace. Additionally, these items were salvaged from the original home and incorporated into the new one: pine paneling, pine
Sustainable Water:
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.
IEQ and Comfort:
Most of the windows are on the south, east and west sides to take full advantage of daylight and the expansive marine view. Natural light is also provided by a cupola atop the open stairwell and reflected by light-colored paint. Period-style and antique fixtures with compact fluorescent bulbs compliment the arts and crafts design while saving energy. A hand-crafted recycled glass and metal chandelier provides ambience and work light for the kitchen island. A central lighting/audio system allows for special lighting/sound and energy savings at the touch of a button. To meet American Lung Association (ALA) Health House certification standards: the ground-source heat pump, tankless water heaters and propane fireplaces are sealed-combustion-type; termite shield/sill sealer provides pest control; a central vacuum system, water-based low- or no-VOC paints finishes, and a limit on toxic cleaners increase air quality; particleboard products are formaldehyde-free MDF or agriboard; flooring is hard-surface, natural products such as FSC-certified wood and bamboo, linoleum tiles, and lead-free ceramic tile; and window coverings are made of Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified® fabrics.
Collective Wisdom and Feedback:
The Collective Wisdom on this project derives from the overall team is experiences.
•The Wisdom of “product knowledge”, materials, systems and the team members skills are directly related to the ease of integrating these into a functioning home.
•The best ideas come from collaboration and viewing all the sides of the prism.
•The basic sciences knowledge are your best test measures.
•Consistently challenge conventional thinking: Seeking what’s right and what is sustainable.
•If you are going to help save the world, bring your friends.
•That keeping it affordable is closely related to keeping it simple.
•Building Green is Future-proofing a homes investment. What’s unique now may easily be mainstream in just a few short years.
Regional/Community Design:
It definitely “took a village” to build this house. Many experts from various arenas of green building participated in—and provided advice to—the project. Friends and neighbors of the homeowners also participated in the building, design, and marketing of the project. More than 10,000 unique visitors have been to the project website. The project has been featured in many trade publications, consumer magazines and local newspapers; partner websites and newsletters; a county-sponsored case study; consumer trade shows, seminars, presentations, and trainings locally and nationwide; a national builder podcast; a national building webinar; three weeks of public and private tours (more than 1300) people have toured the home); and two up-coming nationally-broadcast television programs. All of this marketing has a single focus: to spread the word about green design, building, and living.
