|
*****A variety of factors were
important in remodeling this thirty year old home in Novato,
CA. Design and aesthetics, and the overall feel of the
home were most important. However, conservation of
natural resources, increased energy efficiency, improved
indoor air quality, cost and added value all played important
roles in the design and construction process.
The main architectural decisions reflected our desire to
create an open floor plan with lots of natural light.
Daylight not only cuts on energy use, but also makes for a
healthier, more pleasant space. This was achieved with
large windows for views, and a series of smaller windows high
on walls where privacy was a concern. A large, ridge
skylight brings in lots of light to the central portion of the
home. Solar tubes were also used to bring light to a
dark hallway and the master bedroom closet.
Together with the new dual-glazed windows, energy-efficient
appliances, radiant heat in the floors and a 2.5 kw
photovoltaic system, our energy bill has been reduced to 1/6
of what it was before these changes.
We used recycled, reclaimed and certified sustainably-harvested
wood and engineered beams, bamboo flooring and Trex decking to
conserve natural resources. We also reused stone and
concrete slabs from onsite in the landscaping. The metal
roof is good for a lifetime, and the shot earth walls never
need to be repainted.
Last, but not least, we used as many non-toxic finishes as
possible, as well as the radiant heat, to make the home both
comfortable and healthy. The general goal was to create
a home that is "healthy, attractive, long-lasting and as
low impact as possible". |
