Fast Facts:

• Contractor: Allen Associates, Santa Barbara, Calif.
• Architect/Designer: Thompson Naylor Architects Inc., Santa Barbara, Calf.
• Sq. ft. before: 1,200
• Sq. ft. after: 1,600  (livable space)
  

Project Details

• All mature plants were saved
  
• Drought tolerant landscaping (work in progress)
  
• Owner to remove the existing front lawn — the goal is no turf grass
  
• Original concrete block patio, brick from fireplace and outdoor tiles saved and made into an outdoor bench along new back patio
  
• Old, unsafe Acacia tree on neighbor’s property removed and used as mulch to amend soil and moderate moisture evaporation

Water Efficiency

• Water efficient whole house filtration and water softening system does not require electricity or use of salts
  
• Roof runoff collected in drywell allows water to slowly percolate back into groundwater
  
• Two dual flush toilets
  
• Water efficient bathroom and kitchen fixtures
  
• Tankless (on-demand) water heater

Energy & Atmosphere

• New passive solar features include increased amount of south window area to allow natural sunlight; new overhangs and trellis reduce heat gain on south side of home
  
• Owner found “radiant barrier” paint additive that helps reduce heat gain when applied to underside of roof
  
• Owner found paint product with ceramic particles that increases the insulation and thermal mass capabilities of walls
  
• Gas fired “on-demand” water heater — EF of 82
  
• Solar hot water heater
  
• Energy efficient, Low-E2 windows with fiberglass clad exterior
  
• Icynene insulation in all exterior walls to limit infiltration losses
  
• Cellulose insulation in ceiling
  
• Whole house fan helps cooling interior
  
• New walls constructed with 2 by 6 framing to increase insulation capacity
  
• Skylight provides natural lighting
  
• All new exterior doors are being installed to reduce air infiltration
  
• Compact fluorescent lights and new LED technology installed in high use-areas of house
  
• Standard outdoor lighting will be replaced with fluorescent and LED super low wattage lights
  
• Infrastructure for photovoltaic panels provided for future installation.

Materials & Resources

• Comprehensive construction demolition plan implemented with goal of diverting 95 percent of project’s waste; actual diversion 85 percent (equal to 93.6 tons of waste diverted)
  
• Product reuse: five windows given to neighbors; doors, furnace, and appliances donated to Salvation Army; eight doors, toilet, pedestal sink and wall heater donated to Habitat for Humanity; four windows, shutters, and fireplace mantle bought by antique dealer
  
• Existing oak flooring sold for reuse on Craig’s list to local family
  
• Owner reused old kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, and closet shelving
  
• Reusable materials used for construction fences
• Locally harvested Acacia tree milled in San Luis Obispo used for all cabinet trim, shelves and a window bench
  
• Owner used salvaged bathroom sinks, faucet hardware and vanity light fixtures from Orange County construction project
  
• Sustainable building materials including bamboo flooring and wheatboard cabinets, and cellulose insulation (recycled newspaper with a class-1 fire rating)
  
• Natural linoleum in bathroom and utility room
  
• 20 percent of framing lumber FSC certified
  
• 50 percent fly-ash used in cement mixture
  
• Exterior of house finished with color integrated stucco and fiber cement board reducing long-term maintenance
  
• Roof has an expected life of 50 years

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Wheatboard and formaldehyde-free melamine shelving and cabinet materials
  
• American Pride zero-VOC paints and coatings from Livingreen were used on the interior of the home. Dunn Edwards Eco-Shield paint was used for some interior finishes.
  
• Nontoxic sealants, adhesives and oils used
  
• Operable window promote circulation of fresh air.
• No carpet used in the home
  
• Water filtration system provides clean fresh water for the residents

Innovations & Special Features

• Owner conducted preremodel analysis of home’s energy usage and monitored energy demand after remodel complete to determine effectiveness of energy efficiency improvements
  
• High efficiency residential LED lights installed in kitchen, front patio, hallway and closets meet Title 24 standards. LED lights are 3 to 4 times more efficient than halogen and incandescent lights and last for 15-20 years.