When Dave and Anna Porter’s Warm Beach home is complete, it will be one of the greenest on the West Coast. The couple is meeting the requirements of five residential green building certification programs.
A few examples of the home’s many green features:
Energy efficiency
Geothermal heat
High-efficiency windows
Awning to reduce sun exposure
Natural light
Advanced framing
Energy Star appliances
Compact fluorescent lights
Radiant floor heating system
Passive solar
Spray-foam insulation and air barrier
Heat recovery ventilator
Water conservation
Dual flush toilets
Low-flow shower heads and faucets
Rainwater collection system
Tankless hot water with recirculation system
Drip irrigation
Drought-tolerant landscaping
Water-saving front-loading clothes washer
Water-saving drawer dishwasher
Reused Materials
Deconstruction of original structure (80 percent 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
Sustainably produced materials
Fireplace facade made from local stone
Healthy indoor air
Low VOC paint
Nontoxic finishes on flooring and cabinets
Formaldehyde-free insulation
Minimal use of adhesives
Formaldehyde-free cabinets
Operable windows
No carpeting
Efficient ventilation
Energy Star ventilation fans
Heat recovery ventilator
Efficient use of space
Modest-sized home on a small lot
Home rebuilt on footprint of original structure
Multiple-use rooms
Built-in bookcases
Guest retreat
Universal Design features to allow use by individuals with disabilities
Low-impact site development and natural landscaping
Use of compost for storm water management
Job site recycling
Vegetated “green” roof segments for energy and storm water management
An “insectory” designed to attract beneficial insects
Edible landscaping
Drought tolerant plant selections
Pervious paving material
