Ten years in, we're still happy with what we did, though several improvements are still on the wish list.

The project was driven by the confluence of several environmental goals, along with a specific problem to be solved. The principal environmental goals were to improve the home’s overall energy performance and durability; additional environmental goals were to improve daylighting and ventilation while enhancing comfort and aesthetics. The specific problem we needed to solve was a wood-framed pony wall that extended below grade, representing a long-term durability risk.

• Project scope and initial goals –
  • Resolve durability risks, particularly below-grade wood-framed wall.
  • Improve energy efficiency.
  • Improve thermal comfort.
  • Improve aesthetics, solar access, and relationship to the outdoors.
  • Produce energy on site (install PVs).
  • Enlarge living room.
  • Accomplish all of the above in as resource-efficient a manner as possible and using environmentally preferable materials and methods.
• Deconstruction/Demolition – Recyclable materials (primarily wood scrap, cardboard, and metals) were source-separated and recycled. Non-recyclable waste (primarily roofing that was well past its life expectancy, and leaky single-paned windows) were landfilled. Usable wood scraps were retained for future projects. The old water heater was donated to another project.

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• Material Selection –

• Roofing: steel in sloped areas, highly durable five-ply built-up roofing under living roof in flat area
• Interior wall finishes: low-VOC paints and earth plasters
• Decking: FSC-certified, highly durable tropical Machiche
• Windows: energy-efficient, durable, steel-clad wood

• Indoor Environmental Quality – Low-VOC finishes used throughout. Forced air ducting removed, reducing blowing particulates. High-efficiency fans installed in baths and kitchen.