Thoughtful + sustainable + green design =
Living with less energy, creating community, growing food, sharing resources
Conserving Energy/Conscious Use of Materials
- Carbon monoxide/smoke detectors
- Energy Star appliances
- On-demand gas fired water heater
- No tropical woods used
- High filtration mechanical system
- 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 and birds.
- Pitched roof optimizes rainwater harvesting. Runoff flows to garden basins and rain barrels. 1700 gallon cistern harvests rainwater from carport roofs.
- Low flow plumbing fixtures: toilet 1.3 gpf; showerhead 1.75 gpm; faucets 1.5 gpm
- 2000+ 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 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 courtyard patio for parties, celebrations, etc.
- Nearby supportive neighbors
- Next door to La Montanita food cooperative and neighborhood shopping center
