A Home with a Purpose

As the saying goes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And that couldn’t be truer for the green-build project in Sunset Hill that’s literally green at the moment. Crews are working diligently on the construction of our 2010 Boulevard of Dreams home, which will have all the accoutrements of a luxurious, livable custom residence, with a long list of sustainable features.

“The reality of the endless variety in client wish lists and budgets provides a challenge to those of us who need to help guide toward a more sustainable world,” says architect Wolfgang Trost. “Promoting the ‘basics’ of energy-conserving construction is my goal. The Green Living Show Home is a wonderful opportunity to explore what is possible.”

Abiding by the motto, “Build tight, ventilate right,” our green team has an intricate plan that started before the first signs of a house appeared. Contractors ventilated the gravel under the slab to prevent radon build-up, an important first step. The envelope is airtight with 2x6 exterior wall framing with Huber’s ZIP system wall sheathing, eliminating the need for house wrap. The edges of all ductwork and horizontal and vertical joints — basically all seams — were taped to achieve a Type 1 air barrier, allowing only moisture vapor to vent.

A combination of fiberglass batt insulation and rigid foam insulation was applied to windows, joints and band joists, where 90  percent of heat loss actually occurs. A ground source heat pump will keep the whole home at a consistent temperature, and radiant heat flooring on the lower level will help keep it evenly heated, as well. Paperless drywall, which was applied with mold-preventing techniques, will allow fresh air in but not allergens. Outside, the team is aiming for maintenance-free landscaping, including a rain garden.

To ensure all LEED guidelines are being met, the design/build team has been consulting with Mary English, owner of Small Step Energy Solutions, and testing for compliance with Hathmore Technologies.

All these modern building solutions are wrapped up in an Old World façade, with a floor plan that includes a formal dining room straight ahead of the front entry, flanked by a great room and kitchen with a family retreat. The master suite is also on the first floor, while the other bedroom suites are on the lower level, plus a bonus room above the garage could be used as another bedroom. The lower level, or entertainment hub, is a wide-open space waiting for a homeowner’s personal touch.

Stay tuned for more information as the house nears completion by visiting our blog, greenlivingshowhome.com, where we’ll post updates on the home and all green-related topics.

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Meet the Team!
Wolfgang Trost Architects
Keith Eymann, owner of Ambassador Construction
Diana Carter, owner of di’s Design
Joe Carter, owner of A HOMErun LLC (yes, the former baseball player)