Q: Describe any general site features that support sustainable development, such as solar lot orientations, native or drought tolerant vegetation.

A: The solar orientation was one of the prime consideration in orienting this project. The predetermined overhangs were placed on all sides of the project particularly where large amount of glass was placed to capture the mountain views. The solar study was done to determine exact amount and configuration of roof overhangs to protect the home from harsh summer sun and let the sun come in during the winter time. See enclosed exhibits for solar study.

Q: Describe recycling procedures or efforts to reduce construction waste.

A: The waste management was coordinated during construction to separate and deliver the wood construction waste so that it would be recycled into other building products. Predetermined and preplanned sizes of the structural wood components were ordered to minimize waste during construction. Recycled wood products were specified whenever possible.

The primary construction material was AAC block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) 100% of all waste was directed to recycle and reuse.

Q: Describe energy efficiency features on the plan submitted such as insulation, glazing and HVAC system.

A: This home was designed for the dry arid climate. Special attention was given to the energy efficient cooling system by introducing a combination of the following items:

Natural Ventilation: Operable glazing was designed to allow cool air to come in from the courtyard and letting the warm air escape through high windows. Thus allowing the natural healthy air circulate through the home and reduce the cooling requirement that would otherwise be needed through mechanical system during the mild period of the Summer.

HVAC: High efficiency LENNOX equipment with 14.0 SEER was specified combined with low velocity sealed duct work, multi-zone distribution system, programmable automatic temperature control devices, and electronic high count efficiency filters.

GLAZING: Dual glazed LOW-E glass was specified for the project.

INSULATION: The roof structure was designed to accommodate minimum of R-38 fiber glass insulation and all exterior and interior walls were built to exceed R-21 insulation.

Q: Describe any features that conserve water.

A: All of the landscaping was specified to be drought tolerant native plants and trees, combined with low water drip irrigation system. This allows the plants to grow with very minimum water and reduces spillage, run off, and waste of water. Natural soil stabilizer was placed to reduce moisture evaporation, and erosion. All shower heads, toilets and other plumbing fixtures were specified to be water efficient (low water usage.)

Q: Describe any special materials used in construction.

A: Environmentally friendly green building products were specified throughout the project. Following are some of the examples.

Concrete: Fibrous concrete reinforcing was specified in the concrete mix. Reusable and recyclable temporary forms were used to form concrete.

Metals: Factory finish product was specified rather than field-coating. This allowed greater efficiency and better pollution prevention than job-site fabrication/finish.

Rough Carpentry: All lumber product was specified to bear “the forest stewardship council” label FSC.

Sheathing: “OSB” oriented strand board was used for sheathing which is made of recyclable wood shavings oriented in different directions and bonded with a synthetic resin.

Prefabricated Structural Wood: Wood I-Joists, prefabricated wood trusses, finger-jointed lumber and composite panels were used for the construction of this project. These are more resource efficient than standard lumber. Prefabricated assemblies utilize sawdust, fibers, chips and small pieces of lumber.

Doors: Sustainable harvested wood was used for the fabrication of the doors on this project.

Lighting: Energy efficient low-voltage lighting was used throughout the project.

Q: Describe any additional features not covered above.

A: The main roof element is raised allowing the clearstory glass windows on each side. These clearstory windows fill the inside spaces with natural light throughout the day, thus requiring no artificial lighting during the day time, contributing to low energy use.

We believe that an environmentally responsible architecture implies an approach to the use and management of renewable natural resources – doing more with less. In which conventional “energy saving” measures are important, but only as part of much broader perspective.