Environmental Considerations

• site protection, water pollutants
  • built on existing developed land
  • preserved existing native vegetation
  • retained all large trees on site
  • land below cliff left undisturbed
  • minimal regrading around house
  • vegetation removed was donated
  • no toxic substances used on concrete forms
  • no toxic materials used for hardscape
  • no zinc galvanized ridge cap
• water protection
  • landscape beds have 2" organic mulch
  • no turf grass
  • landscaped with plants appropriate for site, low water usage
  • subsurface drip irrigation used in 2 of 3 areas
  • most plumbing fixtures are rated for low water flow
  • all toilets (Toto) meet low flush rating
  • hot water system uses recirculating pump
• energy efficiency – envelope
  • attic insulated to R50
  • walls insulated with dense packed cellulose (Optima R–23)
  • passive solar design &ndsah; large south facing windows
• heating
  • hydronic heating – minimal loss of heat during distribution
  • boiler (Buderus) – energy star 95% efficient
  • installed heat recovery ventilator (Lifebreath)
  • all hot water pipes insulated
  • separate thermostats for most rooms
• lighting
  • skylight brings natural light to interior space
  • all closets use fluorescent lighting
  • most light fixtures have dimmers
  • ceiling cans are air–lock design
• appliances (Wolf, Subzero, Ventahood, Bosch, Sharp, Home Automation Inc.)
  • washer (Bosch) is front load
  • dishwashers (Bosch) – energy star
  • gas range and oven (Wolf)
• materials
  • carpet is low pile, no off–gasing (Masland Bombay)
  • all cabinets and woodwork free of formaldehyde (except MDF in mech. room)
  • all interior paint low VOC
  • ceramic tile and stone used for flooring
  • materials selected with long life cycle
  • no endangered wood species used
  • doors made of domestically grown wood (Walnut)
  • floor finish is spot–reparable
• moisture control
  • exterior graded to drain water away from building
  • attic venting installed in eaves and upper area
  • windows recessed to reduce water contact
  • rain–screen technology in all exterior walls
  • all window headers have metal flashing
  • rigid perforated footing drain installed on most of perimeter
• recycle & reduce
  • prior structure partially deconstructed and recycled
  • building material scraps recycled to extent possible
  • most construction waste recycled
  • open floor plan for kitchen–dining–living areas reduces interior walls