Green Building
More and more people are beginning to recognize that conventional construction methods are harmful to the planet.
An alternative to conventional construction, green building involves using products and methods to increase the efficiency of buildings in their construction and operation and reduce negative impacts of construction on human health and the environment.
Recycled Products
Recycled products can be made from either post-consumer materials or post-industrial materials. For example, natural cotton fiber insulation--a great alternative to fiberglass insulation--is a made from a byproduct of the blue-jean industry. On the other hand some recycled glass tiles and countertops are made from glass bottles any of us may have put into the recycling bin.
No VOC Products
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals released as gasses that can have serious negative health effects. In conventional homes VOCs are emitted from paints, lacquers, furniture containing particle board or certain glues, and many other materials, which results in a much higher concentration of VOCs (up to 10 times higher) indoors than outdoors. No VOC paints, caulks and adhesives are a great alternative to their conventional counterparts.
Right: No VOC paint, Japanese-plaster on soffits, natural light streams through double paned windows.
hydronic heating
Forced air heaters create poor air quality within the home. Hydronic radiant heating systems heat water that is then transported through the house changing the temperature of the mass of the house. The result is a more stable temperature and humidity, as well as a quieter delivery of warmth, and a more energy efficient system.
Controls for the hydronic heating system (radiant floor heating).
certified wood
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified wood comes from managed forests. This helps assure that the ecosystems will continue to survive during the area's logging cycle. They are audited regularly and must meet strict demands for environmental performance as well as production and processing standards.
Locally-milled redwood counter top, FSC certified chechin hardwood flooring.
