Congratulations to our 2010 Green Home Challenge Winners!

1st Prize Winners- Tony & Jennifer B.

Homeowners

Wilmington, NC

As surfers, Jennifer and Tony Butler were determined to build a home that was in perfect harmony with the natural environment and had the lightest ecological footprint possible. The goals were to make the home green on the inside and green on the outside, go above Energy Star criteria, and not break the piggy bank in the process.  The first plan of attack was to conduct an evaluation on their plans for energy efficiency, green building practices, indoor comfort, sustainability and any potential performance related problems. The couple employed the “Nature’s Envelope” concept to preserve as much of the existing landscape and native vegetation as possible. They met with an arborist to document the vegetation and natural features and install “Tree Protection Area” fencing and signage to protect the existing trees and extensive root systems during construction. The green building techniques used included engineered wood for walls and floor trusses, Icynene® open cell foam insulation, super efficient 16 SEER air conditioning system with humidity controlling programmable thermostats, sealed/insulated crawlspace, sealed attic, energy efficient windows and doors, solar tubes for natural daylight, solar hot water heating system, Hardiboard® siding, Energy Star appliances, light fixtures and ceiling fans,   compact fluorescent lights in all possible fixtures, dual flush toilets, low-flow faucets, bamboo flooring, carpet made from recycled milk jugs, native plants, rain barrels and recycled construction materials. The Butler’s home scored a HERS index rating of 60 with “5+” stars and surpassed Energy Star’s annual energy cost requirements by nearly 33 percent. They emit 36 percent less Carbon Dioxide than the Energy Star reference house!

Second Prize Winners - Joe & Amy H.

Homeowners

Bunceton, Mo

What started out as a roof replacement turned into a complete house renovation of a 1939 rural Missouri Farmhouse. While keeping the environment in mind, Joe and Amy Hayes replaced every window and door in the house with alternatives that were ultra-efficient. Other improvements included a reflective and recyclable white metal roof, added insulation board, new siding on the exterior of the house, "green" caulking and insulation of all the holes that appeared on a thermal imaging camera during a blow test. The couple dismantled the back of the house and replaced it with a sunroom that provides additional natural light in the kitchen and solar heat gain in the winter. Kitchen cabinets made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood and reclaimed materials including window glass and wainscoting were installed with a reclaimed timber countertop and a bar and wainscoting made from salvaged granite. The floor is a cheerful green and yellow Marmoleum Click. In addition, Joe and Amy installed LED can, puck and pendant lights as well as ultra-efficient appliances and ceiling fan. The upstairs dormer windows were replaced with a door and a deck was built off the second floor using FSC-certified wood. The upstairs bathroom floor was replaced it with Marmoleum sheet on a formaldehyde-free subfloor, and added an ultra-efficient compact, stackable washer and dryer. Throughout the construction, the couple used non-toxic alternatives, including Benjamin Moore Zero-Volatile Organic Compound paint and OSI® Green Series caulk. Lastly, the Hayes’ reused, recycled and “Freecycled” as much of their construction waste as possible. The early part of the renovation was completed by Amish carpenters who travelled to and from the job site by horse and buggy. 

Third Prize Winners - John & Shirley L.

Homeowners

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Shirley and John Leeper recently designed and built an energy efficient, net zero, Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) home when the oil spill occurred in their precious Gulf of Mexico. The spirit of the project has been to create the most energy efficient and strong home that can withstand hurricane winds without sacrificing comfort, beauty, and their bank account. The 1,250-square foothome is powered by a 3.7 kilowatt photovoltaic system (21 solar panels) and has produced more clean energy since moving there in March 2010. When the Florida temperatures increased in May, the Leeper’s ran their 22 SEER air conditioner non-stop and were still at net zero. The ICF house was made using LOGIX blocks, insulated foam building blocks that have internal webbing to which steel rebar are lashed internally and then filled with 6.5 inches thick poured concrete. That makes a solid concrete steel reinforced inner wall that Shirley and John believe should be the norm for building in a coastal area due to hurricanes and heat. In addition to strength, the ICF forms give an R-Value of 22 and the inner concrete walls provide a huge thermal mass that keeps temperatures inside the home constant. All appliances are Energy Star because of its low energy consumption. Energy efficient, Low-E double pane windows were kept reasonably sized to keep the building envelope strong and cross ventilation during mild weather. Furthermore, the house includes a laundry/utility room where the Leeper’s wash in cold water and hang clothes outside on their solar dryer. Mr. Slim mini split heat pumps are rated with one of the highest energy efficiency ratings, and two units provide a two zone heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) system that has no ducts to clean, leak or collect dust. The two units independently condition the air on the first and second floor. There are also a few room to room air share fans that keep all the rooms in the home comfortable without requiring duct work or other units. The total expenditure on HVAC and mechanical systems was less than $6,000. Other notable energy and maintenance saving features include a Stiebel tankless water heater, an owner designed solar heated outdoor shower that is low tech but fun and effective, low flow toilets and low flow shower heads, occupancy sensor switches that turn off lights and fans in bathrooms and closets when people leave the room, first floor is aqua stained concrete (designed with the gulf waters in mind), and drip irrigated edible landscaping provides herbs, vegetables, figs, persimmons, blueberries and melons as well as a hydroponic lettuce garden. The irrigation system is on a timer as well as rain sensor which prevent watering when the soil is still wet from rain.