Case Studies

The Stella by Builders Etc

Statistics
Location	19897 E Meyers, Liberty Lake, WA 99016
Star Level	3 Stars
Checklist	Single Family
Section	Points
Site and Water	69
Energy Efficiency	90
Indoor Air Quality	41
Material Efficiency	66
Home Size Multiplier	1.05
Total	307.65

Overview

The Stella was built for the Spokane Home Builders Association and was featured in the 2010 Showcase of Green Homes event in the River District Development.  Designed with the traditional Northwest look in mind, and moderns “green” technologies throughout.  This 2300 square foot 2 story features a large kitchen with walk-in pantry.  Large master suite with generous size soaking tub, two sinks, mud set shower, and a generous walk-in closet.  It features two additional bedrooms with a loft open to the great room below.  It has a mud room and laundry off of the 3-car garage.

Site and Water Protection

The house is oriented to make the best use of solar and features 25 foot tall maples in the front to block the hot sun in the summer and receive the heat from the sun in the winter.  The pathways and walkways are ornately designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as to allow the rainwater to recharge back through the ground rather than being sent unfiltered into a nearby storm drain.  All the rain gutters transfer and rain water into a 1,000 gallon underground cistern that supplies the native and drought resistant vegetation through a drip system.  Finally, raised garden beds are cast from solid concrete as opposed to treated lumber which leach toxins into edible plants.  Inside the home features low flow toilets, showerheads and faucets to minimize water waste.

Energy Efficiency

Efficiency is at the forefront of this home of this Energy Star Certified Home.  The home features a 95% efficient furnace and high efficient gas 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 Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) constructed basement and the sealed ducts ensure the all the energy from the efficient furnace heats the home and stays in the home.

Indoor Air Quality

The home features No VOC carpet glues and wall finishes.  No VOC and formaldehyde free cabinets and using allergen free carpeting.  Also, the bathrooms used a No VOC clay wall finish which is temperature moderating and mold resistant.  Finally, the home features a central vacuum system vented to the outside.

Material Use

A strict recycling program was following during construction of the home.  Flooring is made from renewable bamboo and marmoleum which is made from recycled material.  Countertops and tile in the kitchen are made from a recycled material.  Finally, this home was built with cement fiber siding with a 50 year warranty to ensure durability.