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Utilization of Existing Infrastructure
The living area of the house was doubled in size with no expansion of the first floor wall area and minimal expansion of the roof volume. The bulk of the existing first floor structure, finishes and the roof structure were reused in place.
More detail on this system is available here. 
Orientation and design for daylighting
A central skylight was installed in the main stairwell bringing daylight into the center of the house throughout the day. An interior window provides light to an attic bathroom, and two sun tunnels provide natural light to a walk-in closet and a laundry room. Sun tunnels are flexible tubular skylights that bring light into hard to reach places.
Subcontractor Involvement in Resource Efficiency Plan
Trade contractors received waste management/recycling plan at the beginning of their work. Contractors were trained in appropriate techniques such as advanced framing where appropriate.
Structural Framing
All floor framing and beams were Engineered lumber, which is manufactured out of small diameter trees. This helps to preserve old-growth trees while providing a strong and consistent lumber product.
Windows
All new windows are Low-e, argon-filled insulated windows with a U-Value of .39 and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of .26.
Doors
The original doors were reused where possible. New doors are medium density fiberboard (MDF) and finger joint lumber, factory-primed.
Exterior Wall Finishes
A hard-coat stucco, or brick veneer were used to finish the exterior. A highly durable Versatex PVC trim was used for all new trim on house. New brick was located that matched existing which was reused and keyed in with new brick.
Roof
Original clay roof tiles were salvaged from house, and amended with matching vintage tiles previously salvaged from a building that was demolished. The original tiles were still in perfect condition after almost 90 years on the house. The roof is expected to last at least 100 years before requiring replacement.
Finish Floor
Oak strip flooring was retained in most first floor rooms. This flooring was amended with new wood to match. The stains and finishes used to refinish flooring were water based, low VOC products.
Efficient Use of Materials
Optimum value engineered (OVE) framing was employed throughout project. The use of OVE practices reduces material usage while still maintaining structural integrity and often increasing energy efficiency. Visit NAHBRC Toolbase Services for a more detailed discussion of Optimum Value Engineering.
Employee Waste Reduction Training
All jobsite waste was recycled when possible including drink containers, paper, cardboard, etc.
Deconstruction
All usable lumber removed during the demolition phase that was salvaged and used on offsite projects; windows, cabinets, counters, plumbing, and other fixtures were donated to non-profit organizations or sold for reuse on other projects. Vintage cabinets were installed in an adjacent house to match original cabinets constructed by same builder in 1920.
Alternatives to Burying or Burning Construction Waste
All concrete removed was hauled to a recycling plant and ground into aggregate. All aggregate on-site was purchased from the same plant. Many items were reused for this project such as doors, roof tiles and the existing first floor structure.
Other
All scrap lumber was ground on-site into mulch; site pickup of cardboard, metals, paper, kept waste removal to a minimum. Excess roof tiles and bricks were site ground and used as aggregate. Drywall was ground and applied as a Gypsum Soil Amendment.
Products with Minimal Off-Gas
Solid wood flooring, Icynene spray foam insulation, Marmoleum. All stains and finishes were water-based, low VOC products.
Water-Based Finishes
Benjamin Moore Eco Spec paint was used throughout the home. Bona Kemi Traffic is a waterborne finish with a durable surface for wood floors.
Sealed Combustion or Power Vented Appliances
The tankless hot water heaters and 96% efficient furnace installed in this home are sealed combustion units.
Reduction of Textiles, Maximized Hard Floor Surfaces
Three of the five bedrooms are carpeted, bathrooms are ceramic tile, the laundry room is finished in an all-natural hard surface called Marmoleum and the balance of the home finished in hardwood flooring. The hard surfaces in this home serve to maintain indoor air quality because they are easier to keep free of dust and not prone to capture moisture that could lead to indoor quality contaminants such as mold.
Bathroom and Kitchen Fans and Dryer Vented to Outside; Tested
All of the vents were hard piped to the exterior, sealed with mastic and include barometric dampers to prevent backdrafting.
Ventilation Design (related to climate conditions)
Outside air intakes into return plenums of furnaces provide fresh air during cooling and heating seasons.
Water Management for Foundation, Attic and Walls
A complete drainage plane was created on all new areas of the house with a housewrap and flexible flashing tape. For more information on how to install a weather resistant housewrap and creating a drainage plane visit NAHBRC Toolbase Services.
Detached Garage (or attached with "advanced sealing")
This home has a detached garage which prevents contaminants from the garage from entering the inhabited space.
Duct and Furnace Cleaning Prior to Occupancy
The ducts were protected throughout construction with Duct Diapers. They were removed after floor finishing was completed.
Other
Air infiltration was reduced through an advanced sealing package to .27 natural air changes per hour (ACH).
Building Envelope
A spray foam Icynene insulation was used on the entire exterior of the house - roofline, walls, floor bands. There is no unconditioned space in the house.
Mechanical Systems
Furnaces are 96% efficient, the air conditioner has a SEER rating of 14, and two zones were created for heating and cooling on each floor. The zones help to maintain comfort while allowing the occupants to conserve energy in areas that require less heating and cooling.
Water Heating
Two Bosch tankless water heaters with Metlund on demand hot water circulation pumps. Tankless hot water heaters save energy because they do not use energy to maintain temperatures in a tank when the water is not in use. On-demand pumps save water by sending the cold water that normally runs down the drain back into the system until the hot water arrives.
Appliances
All applicable appliances are Energy Star certified conserving both energy and water.
Lighting
All can lights are fitted with Philips screw base dimmable compact fluorescent light reflector floods; walk in closets have occupancy sensors that turn lights off after use. All fans are on timer switches.
Report performance data if available
EarthCraft House Certified
HERS Rating 87.1 (Energy Star)
House tested to .27 natural air changes per hour (ACH nat)
Other
This house achieved the highest score to date on the EarthCraft House Renovation program worksheet.
Erosion and Debris Control Plan (including maintenance of control devices)
Mulch created from framing scrap wood was used for site erosion control to supplement the silt fence.
Water Efficient Appliances, Equipment and Fixtures
On-demand hot water pump eliminates waste water running down the drain while waiting for hot water to arrive at fixtures. The clothes washer is front load model. Toilets are low flow or dual flush.
Single Stabilized Construction Entrance (established and maintained)
The existing driveway was maintained throughout project and replaced at end of project.
Access to community support services
This home is 1/3 mile from retail/entertainment area and Emory University Hospital. Public transportation is 1/5 mile from house.
Exterior access
Sheltered front and rear doors protect occupants from weather.
General living space
Junior master suite on first floor with laundry provides for easy living on single level.
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