Energy Efficient Home in the Woods
Earth Advantage: Platinum Award winner
Because John and Bea wanted a dream home that was comfortable and energy efficient, we built their new home to the Earth Advantage New Homes standard. Earth Advantage certification requires sustainable design choices, inspections and a series of tests. John and Bea’s home earned a Platinum Award, the highest award given by the organization.
Project Details
Powered by Solar
The home features two separate solar systems. One cluster of panels is photovoltaic, generating most of the home's electrical power. A second set of panels is part of a solar hot water system. The design also uses passive solar heating principles, by allowing the sun to heat the home in the winter (and sizing overhangs to protect it in the summer)
Water Conservation
For water conservation, we chose low flower shower heads and focused on the irrigation system. We built dual 1500 gallon rain cisterns to catch rain water for irrigating the hundreds of native plants Bea has added for natural landscaping.
Dramatic Architectural Features
We included a graceful curved concrete interior stairway, floors crafted from locally-milled madrone hardwood and concrete tinted with a soy-based stain. We also crafted a custom-colored American Clay (plaster) accent wall, a custom cedar sauna, a high-efficiency wood stove with soapstone accent, spectacular tile bathrooms, and a spacious kitchen with recycled Eco quartz countertops and commercial-grade appliances. For the canine members of the family, there’s a tile dog washing shower and a dog operated doorbell.
What our Clients are Saying
“The highlight of the job, “Coming in and finding the job done and done right!””
Debby Gerdes, Corvallis
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“Mike and Karen were so pleased with our work and our crew, they invited everyone who worked on the project over for a "deck-warming" party!”
Carl Christianson, Superintendent and Owner
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“Everyone was a delight to work with. GREAT advice on all issues. 100% commitment to top quality work and materials. Keep doing the same thing! We joke that we miss you guys and wish we had another project.”
Kyle & Suzie Cole, Corvallis