Environmental Design + Construction - October 2008 - (Page 65) SUSTAINABLE HOME MCCULLOUGH RESIDENCE EID AWARD CATEGORY: RESIDENTIAL COMPLETION DATE: APRIL 2007 SIZE: 2,200 SQUARE FEET LOCATION: DURHAM, N.C. CONGRATULATIONS TO SOPHIE PIESSE ARCHITECT P.A., CARRBORO, N.C. ALFERMANN CONSTRUCTION, CHAPEL HILL, N.C. home construction and renovation reflect a long-term view of environmentally responsible living. This new project in Durham, N.C., is a stunning 2,200-square-foot home that is efficient yet spacious, low maintenance yet attractive and comfortable. The home was recently featured on NBC News’ segment called “Go Green Extreme” and has set records in North Carolina with the highest Gold rating score for a Healthy Built Home. PRODUCT SELECTION Materials and products chosen for the project exemplified the “whole house” design approach sought by the project team. The residence utilizes a passive solar design and sought a tight, well-insulated building envelope. To that end, prefabricated Agriboard panels were used to form the exterior walls and are covered with natural hydraulic lime stucco. All windows are high-quality, aluminum-clad wood capped with two-foot overhangs (optimum for this region) and feature Low-E argon-filled glass. The roof is covered in 5V Galvalume with a 100-year life. The roofing structure was completed with only 2-inch by 8-inch lumber, but still achieved R38 based on the choice to use Icynene insulation. In the kitchen, all of the appliances are ENERGY STAR rated, and the plumbing fixtures are low flow. Cabinets are Purebond plywood with cherry veneer, and the cabinets and living room pocket doors use 3form instead of glass. The countertops are composed of stainless steel, and the island is made of Plyboo. While recycled cabinets were used in the laundry room, they weren’t the home’s only recycled elements. Old windows were converted into pantry cabinet doors. The loft ladder and railings are made from metal scraps, and the pocket doors were reclaimed from a Duke laboratory. It was this reuse of materials that really impressed awards judge Maureen Mahle. “The McCollough House is a great example of sustainable renovations in residential design,” says Mahle. “This home uses existing materials, which is the most sustainable way to develop a home because it minimizes the impact on building and energy resources.” This 2,200-square-foot home features lime stucco exterior. Photo by Sanford Creative. ENERGY USE FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW On the energy side of things, the home features solar collectors for its hot water supply and PV panels connected to the power grid for solar electricity generation. Heating is provided by a concrete radiant floor system (with a Rinnai instant water heater) that has integrated color and soy-based sealant, and is supplemented by a high-efficiency gas fireplace. The second-story floor is constructed of engineered trusses and LVL beams to reduce the requirement for large dimensional lumber and then finished with Marmoleum. Low-VOC paints and solvent-free adhesives are used throughout the house and blown cellulose was used to insulate between the floors. Piesse went beyond green and healthy features to focus her design on how the home was to meet the needs of the family today and in the future. The open, passive solar floor plan joins the dining room, living room and kitchen areas as the home’s social epicenter. For added privacy, the beautiful pocket doors allow the master bedroom and bath to be closed off from the living areas. Large French doors open onto screened porches that link ENERGY STAR appliances, stainless steel countertops and a Plyboo island decorate the kitchen. Photo by Sanford Creative. 65 OCTOBER 2008 SUSTAINABLE HOME
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