Consolidation of Utilities
There are no utilities other than the house photoelectric system and site septic system and well.

Preservation of Trees and Existing Vegetation
Cut only trees needed for house construction and the use of solar energy. The trees that were cut were used for wood trim for the house.

Minimal Impact on Site Topography
The construction was carried out in such a way so as to minimalize site disturbance.

Modest Size Design
The home, itself, has a footprint of 1500 square feet. All rooms are small and can serve as living space or office/hobby space.

Orientation for Use of Renewable Energy
The house and farm buildings face south for solar orientation, so both passive and active solar systems can help satisfy the energy requirements of the home.

Orientation and design for daylighting
All rooms have natural lighting. The main space of the house is lit by skylights. Solar controls operate them for lighting during daylight hours. The controls account for conditions of sunny, cloudy, and partly cloudy days.

Window Sizing, Location and Shading
The shading plan allows full sun to the southface of the home and to the skylights during the cooler seasons. Trees shade the other sides. Overhangs limit the amount of sun on the southside during warmer seasons.

Subcontractor Involvement in Resource Efficiency Plan
The owner was the contractor. Subcontractors were selected on their ability to deliver environmentally sound construction.

Other
The disturbed part of the site was restored with wildflower and biodiverse ponds and gardens. Now there is a marked increase in biodiversity - bird species, frogs, insects - attracted to the area around the house and home office. Produce from the property's organic garden is either sold or given to the local community.

Foundation
The home was built on a shallow foundation, using a slab on grade technique.

Structural Framing
Lumber was purchased from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sources. Other lumber was cut from timber felled on the property to clear the construction site.

Sub-Floor
The first floor's subfloor is concrete slab on grade.

Windows
Accurate Dorwin Fiberglass double low-emissivity high performance windows were installed.

Finish Floor
The first floor is integral color concrete. This specifically colored finish enhances the beauty of the floor's concrete slab. The second floor is Tru Linoleum and Dodge Regupol, which has a recycled rubber content.

Cabinetry and Trim
The trim was milled from the trees logged on site, so it contains almost no embodied energy.

Efficient Use of Materials
Advanced framing techniques were used throughout the house, including putting 2x6 studs 24 inches on center, two and three stud corners, and insulated headers.

Packaging Return and Reduction
The owner, who was the contractor, practices reusing, recycling, and composting.

Waste Reduction through Process Modification
Meticulously drew plans in order to properly estimate materials needed, and ordered just enough materials to complete the job properly. Through planning, very little waste went to the landfill.

Weather Protection for Stored Materials
Materials were stored under cover.

Alternatives to Burying or Burning Construction Waste
Gypsum wallsboard scrap was placed in interior walls to increase interior mass and reduce landfill waste.

Products with Minimal Off-Gas
Installed solid wood cabinets.

Water-Based Finishes
Non toxic finishes were used throughout the home interior. A favorite was the Sherwin Williams Health Spec Low Volatile Organic Compound variety.

Separation of Uninhabited Areas
The storage and mechanical rooms, as well as pantry, all have doors to separate them from the living areas.

Ventilation Design (related to climate conditions)
The house is designed for natural stack ventilation, with roof mounted monitor skylights helping to allow for upward air flow and to vent warm air during the warm months. Stack ventilation is especially useful for deep core areas, spaces with only one exposed side, and with atria and courtyard designs.

Water Management for Foundation, Attic and Walls
The slope was prepared to drain water away from the slab on grade foundation.

Duct and Furnace Cleaning Prior to Occupancy
There are no furnace/ventilation ducts.

Harmful Gas Monitoring and Control
A sub-slab radon venting system was installed.

Building Envelope
A double shell wall construction technique was used. In this case, the double wall construction consists of an outer 2x6 in wall with 2x6 studs and insulation. The inner layer is 2x4 inch, framed with 2x4 studs and insulated with sprayed cellulose. The vapor barrier is between the two layers of studs so that it is not punctured by wiring and within a sealed one inch gap between the walls. The inner layer of wall board is installed as an air barrier. This system gives the walls a value of R-30.

Mechanical Systems
This is an off-the-grid home. There is an active solar system that heats water for the radiant slab heat flooring system that was designed and installed by SunSearch. This system is backed up by a very efficient Tarm multi-fuel boiler that can use both wood and gas. The water for the heating system is first warmed by the solar panels and is boosted by the boiler. The storage tanks also acts as a thermal flywheel for the Tarm boiler.

This is also a back up generator. So far, it has only been used in the months of November to March. More detail on this system is available here.

Water Heating
The system that heats water for the radiant floor also heats water for domestic use.

Appliances
All appliances were selected for low electrical energy consumption to optimize photoelectric system, as the house is off the grid. Solar panels also provide electricity for farm vehicles, which are electric.

Lighting
Light colored walls and floors, as well as compact flourescent bulbs and other energy efficient lighting, were used to achieve a high standard of lighting in ways that did not drain the photovoltaic system.

Report performance data if available
A third party Energy Star rater rated this home 93.9, which is Five Plus stars. The blower door test documented airflow at 50 Pascals = CFM 1108. Estimated natural infiltration ACH = 1.99. Energy Star leakage area = 55 sq. in. Effective Leakage Area (ELA/100 ft 2) of shell = .99

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater
Roads and parking area are all porous to help with stormwater infiltration.

Rainwater collection and reuse
Rainwater is collected in barrels and used to water the organic garden.

Water Efficient Appliances, Equipment and Fixtures
All water fixtures are energy efficient and feature low flow varieties. Naturally, this reduces the demand on the photovoltaic system.

Landscape Design
Many parts of the site not used for the organic garden have been restored to native habitat.

Exterior access
The exterior doorways allow wheel chair access.

General living space
The lower floor was designed for wheel chair access. The interior is open, including wide hallways and pocket doors.