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Case Study: A Small, Green, Green Mountain Home

We decided to tear down the existing camp (see photo below).  How green is that?  It wasn't our first choice, but early in the planning process we, with the help of Engineering Ventures, Inc. structural engineers, identified serious problems with the old camp's foundation and structure, among other things.  Although some of the cabin materials were in decent condition, the cabin was very poorly built.  Failures in the foundation made adding-on or fixing-up the cabin a risky investment.  So, the camp came down, but it didn't land in the dumpster.  Flooring, newer windows and some lumber were put to good use in the new house.  Just about everything else was carefully disassembled and carried off for reuse or recycling.

 

Once we knew the old house was going to be torn donw, we set to work designing a new, compact, energy-efficient replacment.  We thought it a perfect opportunity to improve upon all of the shortcomings of the old cabin.  The clients' requirements were to make it affordable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance.  They also wanted to take advantage of the dramatic, steep site which has outstanding views of Camel's Hump (one of just three peaks in the Green Mountains that juts above the tree line) and good solar possibilities.  They also wanted the new house to have some qualities that the old cabine lacked--airiness, lightness and a sensible, comfortable layout.

 

The builder, Silver Maple Construction, was chosen early in the design process.  Construction costs were estimated after initial design sketches were drawn to be sure we were on-track with the budget and to involve the builder in decision-making.

The house was designed with very simple, economical forms with short, clear spans for uncomplicated and quick framing, and an exterior wall system that could be stick-framed or built with SIPs (structural insulated panels).  The SIPs won out due to lower construction costs (mainly due to quick erection) and better insulating values.

 

At 1,588 square feet, the house is small.  it has three bedrooms, two full baths, and open living, dining, and kitchen spaces, yet it doesn't feel cramped because of the open layout and window placements.  All the main living spaces plus two of the three bedrooms have dramatic views and cross-ventilating operable windows.  Ther isn't, however, a square foot of unused or undesignated space and most spaces serve multiple functions.  The house was designed to be heated almost entirely by wood, with supplemental direct-vent gas heaters for backup.  The location of the wood stove was key--it is centrally located next to the stair, so it can easily heat the first floor's primary living spaces as well as the second floor.

 

 

 

The clients wanted to plan for eventual solar hot water, so the panel location was identified and the plumbing roughed-in to make future installation a breeze.   Exterior finishes are virtually maintenance-free.  The siding is pre-finished cement board, and the windows are fiberglass-clad.

 

 

 

This project is a great example of a home that strikes a balance between affordability and eco-friendliness.  It does not employ every green technology, but instead incorporates a number of features that will have the greatest benefit for the owners without breaking their budget.  It is small, inexpensive to heat, low-impact, and low maintenance.  It is also a great place to live.