Case Studies

The Purus by Greenstone Homes

Overview

The Purus, featured in the 2010 Showcase of Green Homes Show in the River District Development, has a very big feel thanks to vaulted ceilings, natural lighting, a loft area, and the large mater suite.  It also has a very small energy bills thanks to sealed duct work, high efficiency hot water heater and furnace, and solar panels.

Site and Water Protection

This Home is oriented to promote pedestrian friendly environment by positioning the garage in the back of the home and providing a covered front porch.  The landscaping features native and drought resistant vegetation on a drip and sprinkler system featuring a rain sensor maximize water efficiencies.  The driveway is made using strips of pervious materials to allow for the rain water to recharge through the soil and stylish recycled wine barrels were installed to collect water from the rain gutters to by used for irrigation.  Also, the house contains low flow fixtures to minimize indoor water waste.

Energy Efficiency

This Energy Star Certified Home features a 95% efficient furnace and hot water tank.  It has a .30 U value on the windows with a blown in blanket insulation (BIB) system.   The system forces the fiberglass to fill entire wall cavity to almost completely eliminate cold spots.  Also, the home was built using advanced framing techniques which means the outside walls are made with a 2x6 studs on a 24 inch center allowing for more insulation.  The sealed ducts ensure the all the energy from the efficient furnace heats the home and stays in the home.  Finally, the home is featuring a 2.4 Kilowatt Solar system located on the flat roof.  The color of the roof membrane was even taken into consideration to make best use for the house and the solar panels.  The white membrane greatly reduces the impact of heat compared to black membranes and will enhance the effectiveness of the solar.

Indoor Air Quality

The home features low VOC carpet glues and wall finishes.  No VOC and formaldahide free cabinets and limiting the amount of carpet throughout the home.

Material Use

A strict recycling program was following during construction of the home.  Also, the carpet is made from recycled plastic soda bottles and tiling is made from recycled materials.  Flooring is made from renewable bamboo.  Flyash was used in the concrete foundation for support and a method to use the by-product of burning coal for electricity.  Finally, this home was built with cement fiber siding with a 50 year warranty to ensure durability.