GREEN HOMES
Dwellings for the 21st Century

By E. Ashley Rooney. With David Hartke and John C. McConnell.
Photography by Emily Hagopian.
Schiffer, 2008

Michael Heacock designed this award-winning 2,000 square-foot residence on San Francisco Bay. The house features many green materials and sustainable design strategies, such as a high efficiency gas furnace and hydronic radiant floor heat in the studio, SIP panels, double pane low-E wood-clad windows, and a modest size.

The clients recycled and reused as many materials as possible. For example, the house used salvaged material from the previous house and has FSC certified Brazilian cherry flooring and reclaimed lumber from Utah.

The kitchen boosts a reclaimed black acacia island countertop, Energy Star appliances, durable stainless steel finishes, and abundant daylighting.

Forest Stewardship Council Certified (FSC).
Logging practices can have negative impacts such as destroying habitats, polluting water, and displacing indigenous peoples. Many forest product companies and consumers believe that logging can be managed responsibly and that forests can be protected. An international organization, the Forest Stewardship Council was created to increase the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide. FSC certification means that the products come from a certified well-managed forest.

Note the translucent screen between the bedroom and bath.

Minimal site disturbance allowed the beautiful gardens to flourish through the construction process. The reclaimed redwood siding and entry stair, abundant daylighting, and innovative glass awning detail compliment the interior hardware and island design.

Durable Building Materials and Finishes.
Put down those hardwoods; plants and crops are being harvested into durable building materials and finishes. Less prone to warping than conventional lumber, green-engineered lumber products are composite materials made with wood chips and other wood waste.
Rapidly renewable bamboo, cork, wheatboards, sunflower seeds, and sorghum stalks are among the many new materials being used.