Modest size. The space planning is 'just right', with no
wasted space. The family of five will occupy 1,100 ft2 with a
single (albeit divided) bathroom, occasionally expanding into
the inn's Breakfast Room for their own entertaining. Children
have bed-alcoves instead of separate bedrooms. The family's kitchen
also functions as the inn's kitchen.
Deep eaves to protect walls and windows
Lumber is specified from regional, sustainably harvested
sources wherever possible.
No toxic-treated lumber is used for exterior decks and posts.
Instead, naturally decay-resistant species are used, carefully
detailed
Products were chosen whose manufacture demands less encapsulated
energy, with less pollution. For example, floor tile is manufactured
with recycled glass content, and the timber framing and wood
floors are century-old recycled Douglas Fir. Insulation is recycled
cellulose; interior paints are derived from plant-based chemistry
(not petrochemicals).
Energy efficiency features:
Passive solar design
High-efficiency gas boiler and no mechanical air conditioning.
Passive cooling is accomplished via a combination of strategies:
timber trellises with ivy shading the southern glazing, and window
blinds elsewhere; oversized eave-to ridge ventilation; thermally
massive walls; design for good cross-ventilation; preserved tree
cover; and ceiling fans. The owners report that the guest suites
remained comfortable through the unusually muggy summer of '96,
even with a meager growth of ivy.
High insulation levels. Radiantly heated floor slabs allow
lower a air temperature while still maintaining comfort
Heat-recovery ventilation system for fresh air is used in
place of bathroom fans.
Sustainability through design for longevity:
The building is designed for a lifespan of 100 years, minimum.
One concession (due to budget) was using asphalt roofing; this,
at least, contains some recycled material.
Windows are specified with non-sealed insulating low-emissivity
glazing- that is, vented removable double glazing panels. (Conventional
sealed insulating glass cannot last the life of the building.
Glazing seal failure in these units typically occurs in 5 to
20 years, which usually means that the entire sash is thrown
away and replaced.)
Exterior walls are constructed of Faswall. In use in Europe
for 40+ years, this is an insulating (R-22 @ 12" thickness),
stackable, permanent concrete formwork composed of 85% recycled
wood and 15% Portland cement, with recycled foam inserts.
Water-saving plumbing fixtures. Copper supply piping and
hubless cast iron drain system; PVC piping (which creates toxic
byproducts during it's manufacture) is used sparingly (only below
grade).
Porch railing detail built from 100 year old recycled
wood, as is the heavy timber structure of the Breakfast Room.
Stair is Birch primarily from sustainably-harvested
forests. Carpet is wool. Floor tile contains over 50 % recycled
glass
Ecological construction procedures:
The specifications encouraged the contractor to substitute
recycled materials for new, where appropriate
Contractor recycled construction waste
Access of construction vehicles was controlled to minimize
compaction of earth, avoiding damage to the root systems of the
existing trees and preserving the permeability of the soil
