Thoughtful + sustainable + green design =
Living with less energy, creating community, growing food, sharing resources
Conserving Energy/Conscious Use of Materials
- Combination carbon monoxide/smoke detector
- Continuous ventilation
- Energy Star appliances
- On-demand gas fired water heater
- No tropical woods used
- High filtration mechanical system
- Plumbing fixtures: toilet 1.3 gpf; shower head 1.75gpm; faucets 1.5gpm
- Walls r-22; roofs r-35; doors r-5; windows u 0.25 (lower the number the better the window, energy star requires 0.35); 2” foundation insulation r-10.
- Locally produced materials whenever possible
- Preoccupancy air flush
- Low and no-VOC sealants, joint compounds, paints, stains and sealers
Conserving Water/Harvesting Food
- Landscaping includes native, xeric and food producing plants. Native landscape encourages natural pollinators – bees and butterflies!
- Pitched roof optimizes rain water harvesting. Ability to flow to garden basins and rain barrels
- Low flow toilets, showers and faucets
- 2400 sq ft community food garden
- Acequia fed irrigation
- On-demand hot water systems
- Permeable driveway and parking areas
Conserving Energy /Tight Envelope
- Well-Insulated and tight walls (R-20) and ceilings (R-60)
- Double wall system for common wall
- Double pane low-E windows and doors
- Connections for photovoltaic panels
- Use of solar lighting for public areas
- Use of CFL/LED lighting
- Strategic placement of windows for optimal lighting and keeping homes cool
Conserving Consumption/Sharing Resources
- Infill site — close to services, activities, bike paths, bus lines
- Downsizing 10 large households into 10 small homes minimizes expenses and upkeep for all
- Shared community tools and resources
- Guest casita for visiting friends and family
- Meeting facilities and group plaza for parties, celebrations, etc.
- Nearby supportive neighbors
- Next door to La Montanita food cooperative
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