Site Design, Preparation and Development
- Location of the building lot encourages biking, walking, and public transit use
- Homes sited to respect the existing site slope, cardinal directions (N/E/S/W), and mountain views. Existing trees and on-site vegetation retained where possible and celebrated
- Minimum site disturbance, including employing proven frost protected shallow foundations, minimize excavation and material use
- Sustainable landscape design and site elements including rain gardens and rain barrels to control and capture storm water and permeable surfaces. Reduce the impact on Borough infrastructure and demonstrate low-maintenance, energy efficient, and beautiful residential landscaping solutions.
- Homes are oriented to optimize solar resources, minimizing home energy use and improving indoor living environment.
- Shared driveway, potentially with permeable paving, reduces site disturbance and water run-off area.
Reduce Consumption and Waste
- Right-sizing: floor plans designed for efficient use of space while providing flexibility and adaptability for the home- owners. Connections between indoors and outdoors extend living spaces.
- Home dimensions designed to minimize building material waste. Advance framing techniques reduce the amount of framing lumber used while ensuring structural integrity.
- Materials selected for enhanced durability, reduced maintenance, resident health and community pride. Where ever possible, local, renewable and recycled materials are incorporated into the design.
- Proper building science ensures affordable, healthy, energy efficient homes for many years to come (water and energy efficiency designed to exceed EPA standards).
- Roof overhangs are designed for passive solar advantages (heat in winter and shade in summer) and to keep rain away from the walls of the home. Covered entries (e.g., awning, covered porch) at exterior doors prevent water intrusion and subsequent rotting of joists, sills, and finishes.
- Roof and façade design and detailing, including metal roof and termite barrier, protects the building over time and reduces maintenance.
Innovation in Design and Building
- Recycled-content and renewable building materials (for example those manufactured from rapid-growth resources or agricultural byproducts such as soy-based insulation and wood-based products) reduce resource consumption.
- Homeowner health considered through choice of low or no volatile organic compound indoor paints, adhesives and sealants selected to minimize pollutants.
- Comprehensive building science i.e. effective R-value of building envelope, and continuous exterior insulation, guarantees energy efficiency and sets a precedent for other builders and homeowners.
- Energy, water and financial resources valued through proper air- and duct-sealing, controlled kitchen and bathroom ventilation, reduced infiltration, heat-recovery and ultra-efficient appliances and equipment
- Design enhances community heritage and follows natural land context i.e. building orientation, siting, and structure
- (NAHB Green Building Principles)
