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We have nearly finalized the exact features of to be incorporated in our homes. When this is done we will have detailed descriptions of all aspects of the homes here including the full spec sheets. For now we please look at House Design for more information. If you have specific questions send us an email and we can help you out.
The design selected is called the "Wings Design". Below is some information about the design. Illustrations are provided under Floor Plans & Elevations.General
- Integration of two simple shed forms
- Sheltered approach
- Low lying structure
- Split level with 3 step grade change for visitable units, no change or steps for fully accessible units
- Uses the staggered floor plan to create spaces of privacy within open floor plan, and create a series of outside courtyards
- Exterior spaces protected by extension of roof, which shelters and provides a gentle transition to the outside
- House opens to Southeast for passive solar gain and view of the pond
- Courtyards create private outdoor space with staggered siting allowing for privacy between units
HOUSE DETAILS
- Sheltered approach to a low lying building that is integrated into the site
- Open floor plan of common spaces
- Passive solar orientation & solar gain of heat stored in concrete floors
- House layout provides integrated exterior spaces that are a protected extension and gentle transition to the outside
- Super insulation with double wall system
- Radiant heat
- 2 full baths
- 1570 square feet
- 3 bedrooms
HEALTH
- Superior air quality
- All natural Interior finishes of paints and oils (no VOC’s or Off Gassing products)
- House design that provides integration to the outside from the inside
GREEN
- Bio Mass Central Heating System
- Solar Photovoltaic Panels either on homes themselves or free-standing on adjacent site
- Use of local lumber FSC Certified building materials
- Use of salvaged and recycled building materials
- Concrete with minimum of 50% fly ash
- Applying for and following LEED certification standards
- Site management of recycling projects waste stream during construction
Materials & Options
Below is some information on materials, upgrades, and changes. Eventually we will have full material selections available either online or at Open Houses and meetings. This is all subject to change but is what is planned at this time. If you have questions or would like more information about the items below email us at sweetpondeco@yahoo.com
There are some possibilities for options and changes. The items listed below are what is currently slated but this is subject to change especially as items go out to bid and we obtain more supplier and material information. Most materials can be substituted with a selection of your own with comparable features but their will be a charge to account for the increased time involved, loss of efficiency and bulk purchasing for other units, and any additional cost of the material itself. Our architect may make changes directly at cost plus a percentage to be determined. The change fee will cover the loss of efficiency for the other units and additional materials and labor if any. Interior is fairly flexible (except load bearing walls of course) but at this point we will not allow changes to the footprint or exterior of the building. The homes are designed to fit the community, flow with the land, and not obstruct the view of surrounding properties. With material selection input is welcome but of course you would need to incur the cost of any changes. We are trying to make it as green, healthy, and responsible as possible and the challenge is balancing that with costs so homes are as affordable for as many folks as possible.
What kind of wood will be used for framing?
We are using SPF graded lumber as required by code. This is spruce, pine, fir. We are going to try and use local lumber for as much as possible including finishing and cabinetry where stamping is not required.
What kind of insulation will be used?
The main insulation for the house is blown cellulose. On the exterior there is a different insulation which is made from polyisocyanurate. Insulation called “Great Stuff” will be used to seal cracks, where pipes come through, and the frames around windows and doors. It is a polyurethane based spray-able insulation.
What finishes are offered?
Low or no VOC paint will be used over the drywall. Woodwork will be low or no VOC stain. Floors are sealed with a wax based (paraffin) sealant. An unfinished option would also be available.
What are the floors made of?
The floors are concrete with choice of color dye to mix in (or none at all). Acid etching may be optional or standard, this is yet to be determined. Hardwood or wide plank pine floors may be optional to lay over the concrete floors.
Kitchen cabinets?
There are cabinets, some open some with doors. The “carcass” of the cabinets are made using plywood with a veneer and the doors are solid wood. We have not selected a standard for cabinets yet but we are planning to set one and than have available upgrades. Cabinets are veneer because solid wood expands and contracts too much with humidity so is unstable and rarely used. Formaldehyde free plywood will be used.
Drywall?
Sheetrock is to be used currently.
Windows?
We have been going back and forth on windows but as it stands we have quotes for vinyl and aluminum clad windows. We had talked about fiberglass as well but that is not on the table right now. The aluminum and vinyl are available from same supplier in same sizes so there may be an option to substitute one for the other.
What kind of ventilation is planned?
We do not have the need for a whole house fan (according to design team) as sufficient ventilation is supplied by a bathroom vent fans which continuously operates at a low speed drawing in fresh air. This is engineered to fit ventilation requirements of the house but if you wanted to increase it further you could probably add a whole house fan but it would have to be in a closet or mechanical area because the ceilings are high and open. We do reach quality standards for air exchange (designing to meet LEED requirements, still debating on spending the money for the certification process for all units)
Where in the units would a gas-burning heater be located?
It is not specified on current plans because we are still hoping to go with district heating. In units with a basement the unit would go in the basement, for the units on slab one of the closets behind the laundry room would be a mechanical closet and the unit would be placed in there.
Appliances?
There is an appliance budget incorporated into the home price. There may be minimum energy and certification requirements to comply with building certification programs we may enroll in as well as possible grant or tax credits. These savings would reduce purchase price.
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