This new 1400 SF house is located on a sensitive marsh front site. The existing ranch home was demolished due to mold contamination. The new high-performance energy-efficient home will take advantage of passive solar heating as well as renewable energy. Many environmentally responsible building materials were incorporated into the home including: recycled paper countertops, salvaged hardwood flooring, energy-efficent appliances and lighting. The home is EnergyStar rated and designed to be LEED for Homes certified as well. Energy modelling predicts it will cost $400/yr to heat.

Builder: Jon Palmstrom, Palmstrom Construction

sustainable features: south facing glazing for passive solar design, engineered wood for new addition, new high performance marvin windows, continuous rigid insulation, new tile for thermal mass in south facing living areas, salvaged butternut flooring, recycled paper countertops, south facing roof provide for future solar panels

HERS index: 65 (performs 35% better than a code-built home)

view of the west elevation