Blind Shady - Green

the

green aspects

Construction:

Minimal Site Disturbance: Site selection was important in the design of the Blind Shady House. A minimal site disturbance plan was utilized, which included erosion control, tree location and orientation.

Fly Ash Concrete: Concrete was used in the foundations, floors and countertops of this house. By using a concrete mixture that had an approximate 20% fly ash content, over 7 tons of CO2 was saved from being released into the atmosphere while also allowing us to use recycled materials that would otherwise be stored in a landfill. This reduction in CO2 emissions is equal to over 14 months of average car use or the electricity used by the average American home over a six month period. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete http://www.flyash.com/flyashenvironment.asp

Locally Quarried Rock: Over 180 yards of drain rock and 200 yards of road gravel were used during the construction of the Blind Shady House. All rock was quarried and processed within 6 miles of the building site, greatly reducing environmental impacts due to transportation. Purchasing this rock also supported a local business.

Recycled Steel: To use recycled materials, increase durability and influence design, steel was integrated into the construction of the house. The steel used has 98% recycled content and is recognized as a green product by many organizations including the U.S Green Building Council and the LEED rating system. Several decks around the house, the roof and all guard rails utilize steel for support. http://www.recycle-steel.org/PDFs/leed/steel_takes_LEED_011405.pdf http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/documents/SteelRecycling.pdf

Local Wood: All exterior and interior cedar wood trim was harvested, milled and purchased locally. This reduced the transportation energy needed to process the cedar wood while supporting local business and the community.

Formaldehyde-Free Insulation: All insulation used in the house is certified formaldehyde free which increases indoor air quality and reduces impacts in the environment. By using formaldehyde free insulation no off-gassing during manufacturing or installation will occur, improving air quality. http://www.specjm.com/files/pdf/bid0020.pdf http://www.specjm.com/residential/insulation.asp

Cor-ten Roofing: The house is roofed with a steel cor-ten roof. This roof has a life span of 70 to 100 years and is completely recyclable. The extended life of this roof greatly reduces the resources used in building maintenance over the life span of the building. http://blog.buildllc.com/2008/03/26/cor-ten-architectural-siding

Recycled Construction Waste: Over 90% of all construction waste created during this project was recycled and diverted from a landfill. All waste was sorted and everything that could be recycled was recycled including wood, metal and gypsum board. http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/ConstructionWaste.html

Water

Grey Water Option: The Blind Shady house is plumbed to handle a grey water system. Grey water plumbing is the method of separating waste water into black water, the water that is diverted into the septic system, and grey water, water diverted away from the septic system to water plants etc.. The benefits of this system are a decreased load on the septic system and decreased water use for landscaping. This grey water system helps reuse and recycle precious resources such as water. http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater

Dual Flush Toilets: Dual flush toilets were installed in every bathroom. This feature reduces the amount of water used and decreases the energy load of the house. Dual flush toilets also decrease septic system load and site impact.

Natural Landscaping: The landscaping of the Blind Shady house follows a natural approach, utilizing mostly native plants. All landscaping uses highly water efficient irrigation systems, decreasing the amount of water used. http://www.for-wild.org/landscap.html http://www.buildinggreen.com/auth/article.cfm/ID/3829/

Energy

Title 24: The Blind Shady House exceeds the requirements set forth by title 24 energy standards which includes lighting, insulation, heating and water saving aspects of the house. By increasing the energy efficiency of the house the energy needed to sustain the household are greatly reduced. http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2008standards/

High Efficiency Hydronic Heating System: A high efficiency hydronic heating system uses heated water, reducing the energy needed to heat the house by 20% to 40%. This in turn greatly reduces the house’s energy consumption and environmental impact. The hydronic system also increases indoor air quality and maintains a much more consistent temperature when compared to traditional forced air heating systems. http://www.wattsradiant.com/professional/onix.asp http://www.wattsradiant.com/homeowner/ http://www.radiant-floor-heating.com/hydronic-benefits.htm

High Efficiency Wood Stove: The Blind Shady House has a high efficiency wood stove as a supplemental heat source. The stove is EPA certified with low emission rates and high BTU outputs. This stove also allows the home owner to take advantage of local firewood generated on the property. http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/resources/publications/monitoring/caa/woodstoves/

High Efficiency Lighting: High efficiency lighting is used in the kitchen, living room and bathrooms. This lighting is a combination of LED technology and highly efficient quartz lighting creating a fuller spectrum light while using less energy than tradition incandescent lighting. http://www.lighting-fixtures-ceiling-fans.com/halogen_light_bulbs.html#bene

Highly Efficient Windows and Doors: All of the windows and doors throughout the house are low-E rated glass and dual paned. High quality windows and french doors help minimize the energy needed to heat and cool the house, reducing the environmental impact of living. http://www.efficientwindows.org/condensation.cfm

Sun Light: With many windows and french doors throughout the house, every room except the utility and laundry rooms are naturally lit. With this design the use of artificial light during daylight hours is minimal while light quality is increased, creating a more comfortable living space. http://ciralight-europe.com/docs/Benefits_of_daylight.pdf

Energy Star Appliances: All appliances in the house are certified energy star, including the heating system, dishwasher and water heater. These high efficiency appliances reduce the energy and resource load of the house. http://www.energystar.gov/

Finishes

No VOC Paint: The interior of the Blind Shady House was painted with a no VOC paint. VOC’s, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are substances that enter the atmosphere and affect air quality by creating ozone and other harmful compounds. By using no-VOC paint, the indoor air quality of the house is greatly improved while the environmental impact is reduced. http://www.benjaminmoore.com http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/03/green-basics-volatile-organic-compounds-vocs.php

Eco-Friendly Concrete Countertops: Countertops throughout the house are made of fly ash concrete. The countertops have an extended life span and are made of local and recycled materials. http://www.concretenetwork.com/videos-concrete-design/materials/sustainable.html

Bamboo Flooring: The Blind Shady House is finished with bamboo floors which are a renewable resource. Bamboo can be regenerated in three years compared to oak which takes 120 years to reach maturity. In addition to being a replenishable resource, bamboo is also very durable. http://www.ecowise.com/green/floor/bamboo.shtml

Reused Wood: The kitchen and bathroom cabinets are partially constructed with reused redwood. This wood was reclaimed from a redwood deck that was demolished during a remodel. By reusing wood, fewer resources are needed in new construction. http://www.p2pays.org/ref/06/05982.pdf