Utilization of Existing Infrastructure
This home is situated on a lot close to the existing homes in the Three Mesas area of the Hopi Reservation. The lot was formerly used as a dumpsite. This construction project reinvigorated and enhanced the neighborhood by cleaning up the vacant lot. The proximity to town also reduces transportation costs and impacts.

Preservation and Protection of Sensitive Areas
The lot was selected over an alternative pristine mesa site in order to take advantage of the many community opportunities that it provided. The choice also meant that the project was able to avoid disturbance of a pristine site.

Consolidation of Utilities
Utility runs were relatively short, given the selection of an in-town lot, reducing the cost and disturbance of acquiring utilities.

Preservation of Trees and Existing Vegetation
No trees or shrubs were removed from this site for construction. The site was reestablished as a habitable location.

Minimal Impact on Site Topography
A frost-protected shallow foundation was chosen as a less invasive design since it does not require excavation for footings below the frost line. This foundation is discussed in more detail in the following sections.

Modest Size Design
The footprint of this home is only 1320 square feet. Due to the depth of straw bale construction, the useable living area is 1040 square feet. The house consists of two comfortably sized bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, laundry and living room. Two porches provide additional outdoor spaces. (Visit the "Gallery" to view a floor plan).

Orientation for Use of Renewable Energy
The home was oriented towards the south to take advantage of passive solar heating. The passive solar gain augments the radiant floor heating as discussed in the Energy Efficiency section.

Orientation and design for daylighting
The layout of interior walls complements the orientation for both solar intake and daylighting by allowing light and heat to move through the home.

Window Sizing, Location and Shading
Four windows (approximately 40 square feet of glazing) were installed on the southern side of the home. Windows were minimized on the northern side. One western window and an eastern doorway were constructed. Solar angle data was used to place the windows to achieve the maximum solar gain on the shortest days. Solar angle data was also used to design the roof overhang to block excessive summer sun, while allowing winter sun to reach the windows.

Foundation
A frost-protected shallow foundation was constructed to provide an energy efficient, low-impact base for the home. This type of foundation minimizes excavation and material use. Rigid foam was installed around the slab to insulate it as required by local conditions. Learn more by visiting the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) resources and NAHB Research Center Toolbase Services. Climatic data for design of frost-protected shallow foundations is now provided on a website developed in partnership by National Climatic Data Center, National Association of Home Builders Research Center, and American Society of Civil Engineers.

Exterior Wall Finishes
The exterior walls were finished in stucco.

Finish Floor
The concrete slab foundation also serves as the finish floor. The concrete was colored prior to the pour.

Products with Minimal Off-Gas
Low or no-VOC paints were used to finish the interior walls. Interior trim was finished with a linseed oil treatment. The concrete floor stain was a non-toxic, bio-stain called OS Color.

Reduction of Textiles, Maximized Hard Floor Surfaces
Colored concrete with tile inlay is the finished floor surface throughout this home. This surface is easy to clean and will eliminate moisture buildup.

Bathroom and Kitchen Fans and Dryer Vented to Outside; Tested
Exhaust fans were installed into all of the "wet spaces" in the home including the bath, kitchen and laundry. The fans vent directly to the outside.

Ventilation Design (related to climate conditions)
Natural ventilation is used in this home. All of the windows are operable and designers were conscious of ventilation requirements when choosing window placement. Ceiling fans help to circulate warm air down in the winter or cool air during the summer. The attic is also vented with several bird block vents set along the shed roof.

Building Envelope
This home was constructed with a frost-protected shallow foundation. The foundation is insulated reducing the need to excavate below the frost-line. It also provides an energy efficient base. The walls were then constructed of straw bale, an agricultural product supplied by Navajo Agricultural Product Industries. Straw bales are locally available and energy efficient building materials.

Mechanical Systems
A radiant floor heating system in the slab is augmented by passive solar. The slab acts as a thermal mass. The radiant flooring system is joined with the domestic hot water system. A thermostat, relay and pump circulate water through PEX tubing in the slab. More detail on this system is available here.

Water Heating
An electric hot water heater provides domestic hot water and supplies the radiant floor heating system.

Appliances
The refrigerator and stove are Energy Star certified appliances.

Lighting
Compact fluorescent bulbs were installed into the limited number of fixtures in the home.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater
A swale was constructed on one side of the home to direct stormwater away from the foundation.

Rainwater collection and reuse
Water is channeled from the north facing slope of the shed roof down chains into a cistern. This water can be used for watering of gardens.

Water Efficient Appliances, Equipment and Fixtures
Low-flow fixtures for the toilet, shower and sinks were installed. An Energy Star certified GE washer and dryer were donated to the homeowner. Energy Star washers minimize water usage as well as provide energy efficiency.

Landscape Design
The homeowner was encouraged to use native plants when developing landscaping around her home.

Access to community support services
Since this home is located in-town, community services are easily accessed.

Exterior access
A ramp leads to the front door providing easy access for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

General living space
This is a one-level, barrier free home, which provides comfortable living for the elderly or disabled. All rooms were designed with a five foot turning radius. This dimension provides room for maneuverability of a wheelchair.

Bathroom
Blocking for grab bars were installed during the construction of the home. The grab bars were provided to the homeowner so that they can be installed when she desires them. Lever hardware was provided for both sinks in the home, making it easier to grasp and turn on faucets.