This home was cutting edge sustainable new construction in 2002. The intention was to build a home as sustainably as possible with materials that are sustainable, durable and beautiful. Maximizing efficiency in both design and materials. 

• House was 2002 National American Homebuilders' Association "Green Build" award winner - builder received award in Washington, D.C. 

• Was grant recipient from the Office of Sustainability - money was used in construction. 

• Was on the city's "Build it Green" tour twice. 

• Has been featured on the Solar Tour of Portland several times. 

• Featured in Organic Style magazine 

• Featured in The Oregonian

•The innovative technologies of this home has it being cited as a “Case Study” in education and building resources. 

Sustainable Design 

• Super insulated Rastra Block, an 11 inch thick insulated concrete form, with old world plaster exterior and American Clay traditional plaster interior. 

• Located as far north as possible on lot to maximize southern exposure for both passive solar system and gardening. 

• Rooms requiring more lighting (i.e. living spaces - think bedrooms, living rooms, etc.) are located on south side of house for daylighting. Closets, stairs, bathrooms are located on north side of house. 

• Passive solar construction - concrete interior mass functions as heat sink. 

• Amazing light from a bank of south facing windows (Marvin aluminium clad double paned - no painting required on the exterior.) 

• Custom kitchen cabinetry is sustainably harvested Oregon white oak - solid wood, locally crafted. 

• Bamboo flooring upstairs. 

Green Technology 

• Lifetime Galvalume metal roof and custom gutters - no ugly oil-based product into rain catchment system. 

• Rain catchment system with two 1,700 gallon storage tanks (water filtered for use in the house). (First rain catchment system permitted in the city of Portland.) 

• high-efficiency instantaneous gas water heater. 

• Hydronic Radiant heat in concrete floors downstairs and upstairs bathroom - nice on toes in winter! 

• Heat recovery system for hot water going to upstairs shower. 

• Windows are Marvin all-clad, double hung: never need to paint! 

• Heat recovery ventilation system – warm air from inside the house is circulated to preheat cool fresh, air pulled in from outside. 

• Super-insulated throughout.

Reclaimed Materials 

• All beams, joists, trim, and other significant woods are reclaimed wood. All the big stuff comes from a former granary in Amity, Oregon. Hand-selected.

• The lintels above all interior doors are from the bottom of the grain bins at that same granary - they are "grain-washed" - lots of variety. 

• Stairs are made from Springfield H.S. gym bleachers - Ken Kesey's H.S. 

• Marble in kitchen and upstairs are from exterior of building in Salem. 

• Entry bench, half wall and some interior lighting is from the Jesuit Community center. 

• All interior doors are from a late 1800's/early 1900's former brothel in Pendleton, Oregon. They retain all original hardware and have been stripped of all lead-based paint to natural wood. 

• All light switch and outlet plates are reclaimed, metal plates from various old buildings throughout Portland. 

• Custom reclaimed tile design and custom, recycled wood corner shelves in downstairs bathroom. 

• Custom recycled wood computer desk and study alcove. 

Garden/Outdoor space 

• Mostly edible, organic garden with amazing southern exposure. 

• Fence is constructed of reclaimed wood and metal radiant heat system piping pulled from a Portland apartment building. 

• Custom stonework and patio. 

• 2 bin composting system. 

• Bike storage can be utilized off back covered breezeway for easy bicycle storage and commuting. 

Wood Storage shed can hold 2 cords of wood.

Detached Studio/Office

• Radiant Heat flooring underfoot

• Dimmable LED lighting

• Tongue and Groove cedar ceiling

Other Features 

• Stainless steel commercial gas range and range hood 

• Stainless steel countertop/sink 

• Concrete, Japanese style ofuro or bathtub and walk-in shower. 

• Full, unfinished attic space with potential for additional “away space” or workspace. 

• Entryway with custom rustic stone.