Project Gallery

Going Green at the Beach

Description

In 2006, the Porters decided to transform their ramshackle 100-year-old beachfront house into an energy-efficient, environmentally responsible home that would meet the strictest green home guidelines while providing a beautiful, comfortable living space that would meet their family’s current and future needs.

To help others benefit from their experience, they committed to making the project a demonstration home for green design, systems, and materials. They’ll be documenting their options, choices, and decisions, as well as the ongoing performance of the home.

The result is “Going Green at the Beach,” a unique exploration of the possibilities open to all of us to make meaningful changes in how we live. Through a website, tours, presentations, media coverage, and other educational tools, the Porters will share much more than just the look of their “deep green” home when construction is complete in September of 2007. You’ll learn the opportunities and obstacles they faced, understand why they made the choices they did, see first-hand how a green home is built, and even hear tips on green living from the Porters’ “recycled” dog, Skipper.

“Going Green at the Beach” aims to set a record by meeting the requirements of all five residential green building certifi-

cation programs active in this area:

- Built Green™ (www.builtgreen.net)

- ENERGY STAR® Home (www.northwestenergystar.org)

- American Lung Association Health House (www.healthhouse.org)

- Environments for Living® (www.elfhome.com)

- LEED® for Homes (www.usgbc.org)

Features

SITE

Efficient Use of Space

- Modest-sized home on a small lot

- Home rebuilt on footprint of original structure

- Multiple-use rooms

- Built-in bookcases

- Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)

- Universal Design features to allow for use by individuals with disabilities

Low Impact Site Development and Landscaping

- Use of compost for stormwater management

- Jobsite recycling

- Vegetated “green” roof segments for energy and stormwater management

- An “insectory” designed to attract beneficial insects

- Edible landscaping

- Drought tolerant plant selections

- Pervious paving materialWater Conservation

Water Conservation

- Dual flush toilets

- Low-flow showerheads and faucets

- Rainwater collection system

ENERGY

Energy Efficiency

- Geothermal heat

- High efficiency windows

- Awning to reduce sun exposure

- Natural light

- Advanced framing

- ENERGY STAR® appliances

- Compact fluorescent lights

AIR

Healthy Indoor Air

- Low VOC paint

- Nontoxic finishes on flooring and cabinetry

- Formaldehyde-free insulation

- Minimal use of adhesives

- Formaldehyde-free cabinets

- Operable windows

- No carpet

- Efficient ventilation

MATERIALS

Reused Materials

- Deconstruction of original structure (80% of material diverted from landfill)

- Salvage and reuse of doors, cabinets, and other items from original structure

- Wine racks made from salvaged decking from original structure

Sustainably Produced and Durable Materials

- FSC certified wood products

- Recycled glass tile

- Cork flooring produced from leftover material from wine cork production

- Original artwork made by local artisans from owners’ collection of found beach glass

- 50-year siding

- 40-year metal roof

- Locally manufactured materials when possible

Specs

“Going Green at the Beach” is not just about rebuilding a home: it’s about using the home, the process of building it, and its subsequent performance as an educational tool for building industry and the public.