Eco Friendly Real Estate Blog

Like a zephyr breathing here and there across the mountains,
April smiles happily upon her minions.
She is  a force uncommon
and always on the move.

Contentedly, I register spring's promise in a heartbeat,
(the all-at-once coming together and letting go
that calls forth Life's magic ) as, thankfully,
Asheville's
GREEN real estate market continues Strong

NC HeatlhyBuilt© Homes
Sold in 1^stQuarter  2007, 2008, 2009
: : MLS Three-Year Real Estate Market Statistics

YEAR        SOLD (Q1)                PRICE RANGE
2007         3                       $220 to $320K.
2008         1                       $ 201,000 K

2009         6                       $260 to $980,000K

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__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............with

OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants. Contact janeAnne@janeAnne.com or  give a call at 828-255-1082 . Design your dream. Give us your checklist .

ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Curious about sustainable GREEN real estate possibilities ?  Register for the Eco Stewards' Learning Tours.

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind.

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Eco-Stewards' GREEN LEARNING TOUR

Have you ever had a chance to experience- first-hand - a Gold Rated LEED certified building ?

If you haven't maybe you will guess how much I was looking forward to our visit to the Asheville's new Leed Certified Destination Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I could hardly wait to talk with the Park Rangers about their experience of and in the building. 

Like me, you may have been over-flowing with questions:

 

How does it  feel  each day?

What is the human experience where walls stand in saw-tooth formation, (see photo)

where interior light respects the movement of the sun ,and the temperature is always comfortable ?

What is the daily experience  when a green roof shelters you?  How are the native plants doing atop it?  How much water from the roof is being used?  Are the rain chains and detention ponds working as hoped?  

I wanted to know all about the  experience of living with cutting edge of energy technology.

What is the response to the integrated energy optimization strategies designed into their workplace?

And what can this mean for future stakeholders?

 

Finally, here we were face-to-face with a very impressive building, possibly even a work of art. Lord. Aeck. Sargent Architectural Firm  the design firm, describes the impression this way:

" Nestled into a hill,  the building evokes a ‘tree house' atmosphere that allows visitors to experience the majestic vistas..."  

 Features: Radiant heated flooring could have something to do with that.  The building also uses an energy recovery unit to transfer heat from air exhausted out of the building to air entering the building in the winter. Indeed, the integrated energy optimization strategies designed into Asheville's Parkway Destination Center are appreciated, it seems. 

Focus: Energy efficiency-the design on Asheville's parkway Destination Center can reduce energy use by up to 75%.  Even on a quick detour to wash hands that focus was evident where lights are controlled with occupancy sensors. Daylight harvesting coupled with efficient lighting can reduce lighting loads by 78 percent with orientation and external overhangs and shading devices coming into play.  And, even though the skies were stormy the day of our visit,  daylight brightened the interior. (This summer, the same overhands block the sun to prevent overheating of the walls.) 

 

But how do the daily occupants respond to the not-so-obvious features? 

 "I was not a ‘believer' about this LEED building,"
   one Ranger told me.

"But it fooled me," he beamed. 

"Unlike in some of the other facilities, here I am never cold," confided another, also smiling. 

 YOUR Turn: If you haven't had a chance to experience a LEED Certified building, and you are coming to Beautiful Asheville, NC, here's your opportunity. 

  A few features you may not want to  miss: 

•-          the sun-facing Trombe walls .  These are constructed  from material that can act as a thermal mass combined with an air space, insulated glazing and they actually vent and help to circulate fresh air in the building.
•-           the obvious use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.
•-           the optimized passive solar design
•-          natural ventilation and windows that open if so desired
•-          your own interview with one of the Rangers. 
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__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............with

OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants. Contact janeAnne@janeAnne.com or  give a call at 828-255-1082 . Design your dream. Give us your checklist .

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind.

The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Blue Ridge Parkway- Asheville- The LEED Parkway Destination Center - Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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Land for Sale Asheville's Secret Conservation Gems- Photo Shoot

As chance would have it, we happened on land for sale that our eco-community minded clients will thrill to while out on a photo shoot on this  brilliant April Day.

There were the gentle slopes, the trails to easy then steep climbs, the Old Growth Grandfather Tree, the south-facing meadow, the cascading falls, the moss so old you were awestruck, and beside it, an Appalachian chimney ruin and ancient stone wall; places where continuity reigns and tranquility abides. 

Here are a few moments we captured along the way. Let me know if, like us, YOU are a person who "feels the spirit" of the Land. . .

ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN HIKE

  gentle slopoe goes to steep climb and a family adventure


TRANQUILITY POND NEAR ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tranquility reigns at this place for reflection on a 27 AC parcel of land for sale near Asheville, NC

ASHEVILLE HERITAGE ON SOUTH-FACING LAND

... what once was an Appalachian farmsstead . Here we found a chimney and imagined what once surrounded her... possibly a sunny garden spot on this land for stewards that is now for sale near Asheville

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let us know if, like us,
YOU are a person who "feels the spirit" of the Land. . .

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__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............ keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    ............. with

OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants. Contact janeAnne@janeAnne.com or  give a call at 828-255-1082 . Design your dream. Give us your checklist .

ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Curious about sustainable GREEN real estate possibilities ?  Register for the Eco Stewards' Learning Tours.

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind.

Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

A Report on Asheville ECO: Farmland Values Project& The Eco-Stewards' Fiduciary Counsel

Offering objective fiduciary counsel to our clients is a lot  more than an avocation for the Eco Certified® real estate consultants at our Firm. It means keeping a finger on the pulse of local goings-on here in the Greater Asheville area. When it comes to sustainable innovation in Asheville,  it is an on-going adventure. 

Recently, we reviewed findings of potential interest for our clients in search of large acreages. The discoveries came from Farmland Values Project. (see photo of farmland near Asheville)

The Farmland Values Project involved both data collection and research, and a community interaction initiative. It asked the following questions: 

•       Does farmland in our area affect the quality of life of residents?
•       Is farmland of great importance to residents of our area?
•       Are residents concerned about the loss of farmland?
•       Do residents believe more needs to be done to protect farmland in our area?
•       Are both residents and visitors willing to pay to protect farmland in the region?

 The information gathered from the study, and our interpretation as "local experts", could have value for our clients. 

As land specialists, we notice, more and more, that our clients are demanding wise choices in eco-friendly land use. They want a close-up view on development issues and the tenor of the situation. 

The focus of the Project,  the results of research (answers to all the above questions are in the affirmative) and local real estate professionals' interpretation  of that information can respond to client demand.

(map courtesy of the Project shows area in western North Carolina studied)

The Farmland Values Project confirmed what we at the Firm suspected; that all of the above are tremendously important to Asheville area people and those relocating to the Asheville, NC area.  After all, farmland provides more than great organically and/or locally-grown food easy to find at CSAs  and tailgate markets  throughout our region.  

Sustainable farmlands also benefit non-farmers by providing flood control, landscapes worthy of the talents of Andrew Wyeth  or John Singer Sargent  and  a treasured  spirit of interdependence  and sense of place.    

Click here to LISTEN to one "old-timer" tell the story of that spirit of interdependence. . .look for more on this subject in the near future...and let us know what YOU think and tell me....how  would YOU answer the Farmland Values Project questions?  ________________________________________________________________________________________________

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

OBJECTIVE FIDUCIARY COUNSEL from Eco Certified ©Real Estate Consultants. Contact janeAnne@janeAnne.com or  give a call at 828-255-1082 . Design your dream. Give us your checklist .

ECO STEWARDS' LEARNING TOURS. Curious about sustainable GREEN real estate possibilities ?  Register for the Eco Stewards' Learning Tours.

The ECO Certified ® Real Estate Consultants at The ECO Steward Real Estate Firm  specialize in working with eco-developers and LAND for sale in the Greater Asheville, North Carolina area. We are excited about value-added, ECO-friendly properties, and focus on positive futures. Our real estate practice inspires property investments for wealth of the generous kind.

Asheville ECO: Farmland Values Project & The Eco-Stewards' Fiduciary Counsel-Asheville "GREEN" Real Estate and Relocation: The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved
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For those of you who don't already know it I am a big fan of edible landscaping. I am also a big fan of Commity Supported Agriculture so when I found a project that combined them, I had to share.

Obviously, I am among those thrilled at the prospect of a vegetable garden on the South Lawn.  It will be the first vegetable garden grown at the White House since Elanor Roosevelt's Victory Garden.

Closer to home for most of us are the stories I have read lately about folks organizing their neighborhood into mini farms. Some use backyards, some use front yards. The general arrangement is that the vegetable garden is planted in the yards of the participating homeowners who donate the use of their land for the project. The CSA farmers then plant and tend all the gardens which is especially easy to do if they are on what used to be the front lawn. Most are tended using only hand tools so thee is little danger of damage to power lines of any infrastructure that might be damaged with heavy equipment. All the work is performed for the homeowners- their contribution is the land and usually the water. Most groups also have a fee to cover the cost of seeds, and at least some of the labor., some sell the excess produce not distributed to members at the farmer's market (if you have ever grown zucchini or tomatoes you know there can be bumper crops!)

 Here are some links to articls and Information about this idea:

Natural Home Magazine article

Virginia Home Gardener supplies the neighborhood

Spin Gardening

"Don't Mess With Texas!"  We're all familiar with this saying, but I've discovered hanging out in online relocation forums that a lot of people who aren't from here really don't understand what it's about. 

They think it's too aggressive.  They think that we're being pugilistic.  They think that we're saying that we're better than anyone else. Granted, there've been some riffs on the phrase that could lead to that conclusion - I, myself, have a cherished old red t-shirt that says, in big red letters, "Don't Mess With Texas Women".  Now, that's pretty accurate - we are known to rip off the velvet glove rather quickly, and a lot of us ARE armed!

This confusion has become widespread enough that I've actually seen a billboard by the Texas Department of Transportation that says, "'Don't Mess With Texas' Means Don't Litter".  Now, that's sad, that it has to be spelled out so bluntly.  

In actuality, "Don't Mess With Texas" is an award-winning advertising program sponsored by TxDOT intended to, with some humor, remind people that "messing" with Texas in the form of littering is not the manly thing to do.  Commercials with such Texas icons as Willie, Lyle, Stevie (yeah, a lot of our icons are known by one name), Joe Ely, Marcia Ball, George Foreman, and others encourage our citizens to treat Texas with respect, not throwing trash on her highways and byways.  We're proud of our state, with good reason, and don't hold kindly with people treating her with disrespect. 

So, when you're traveling in Texas, whether you're just visitin', or you've lived here all your life and all your granddaddy's life, or if you're relocating here, and you see a sign that says, "Don't Mess With Texas," just smile and put that trash away to throw in the trash can at the next stop, or put that cigarette (yes, they do count) out in the ash tray instead of throwing it out the window.  Texas will thank you, the environment will thank you, and we won't have to get aggressive or pugilistic with you! 

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. John Q Smith have just rehabilitated an 1800's one and a half story New Englander. The home has 1200 square feet of finished living area. The home had horse hair and newspaper insulation in the walls which were covered with lead paint, lead glass windows with rotting sills, asbestos insulation in the attic, and asbestos wrapped pipes. They did things properly. Upon the advice of their Certified Green Real Estate Agent, they hired professional contractors to come in and remove the asbestos insulation and lead paint. They contacted their local utility company and requested information on what the company offered for plumbing, heating, electrical, biomass, wood heat, geothermal, appliance, solar or wind installation rebates. They checked out www.energystar.gov for their current available State Rebates, and they checked the IRS website for available Energy Tax Credits. And then they went to their local Planning Board to see if there were any existing Property Tax Exemptions in place for solar, wind and central wood energy installations. Based on the information they gathered, they created a list of home improvements that would net them the most money back for their investment.

They installed moisture and mold resistant walls. They painted those walls with low V.O.C. paint. They installed bamboo flooring in the majority of the floors, and tile on floors that faced the south side of the home. They had low E glass windows with interior shades for the summer. On their roof, they had photovoltaic cells installed with a collector for generating electricity. They had a tankless water heater installed under each of the sinks in the home. They had low-flow toilets and showerheads put in place. CFL light bulbs were installed in their EnergyStar® certified light fixtures. They purchased EnergyStar® Certified appliances and opted for blown in insulation. They even installed an air exchange unit for cleaning their indoor air. Last, they invested in landscaping by placing deciduous trees on the southern and eastern sides of the home, and local, natural, stones were placed in such a way as to divert water away from the home.

When all was completed, they called in an Energy Rater who was certified with RESNET. All of this they did, as recommended by the Green Professional Real Estate Agent they had been in consultation with from the beginning.

Now came the time to sell the home. They'd had five good years in this home but now, for whatever reason, they needed to move.

They called their favorite agent to help them market the home. Fortunately, they were able to get the home EnergyStar® Certified during those five years. They even managed to get an Indoor Air Package certification on the home, as well.

So, what did their agent do?

Well, that's where I keep some trade secrets. There are special sites for selling this green home. My advice for you, if you want to know more, is to talk to your local Certified Green Real Estate Agent. Appraisers are beginning to take courses on valuing homes with energy efficient amenities, but it is slow going.  Your agent will lobby for you and guide you.

I would also recommend you read this article by fellow EcoBroker®, Andrew Cepeda. He tells the story from the Buyer's viewpoint. Remember, Greener times require Greener agents.

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker^®

So many people have asked me 'What is an EcoBroker^®?'. I thought I'd find a more creative way to answer the question, AND, one of my New Year's Resolutions was to become more tech-savvy. So here it is...

My first YouTube video: (Sorry, I haven't figured out how to embed the actual video yet, but I should at least get some points for trying, right? :-) Just click on the link below the graphic.

 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqOgKDc-FF0 

I'd love to hear some feedback. Don't be shy. I take constructive feedback very well :-)

Frances Sanderson, Franklin, NH  REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker®

Have you noticed the increased attention in Green?  Actually, the term Green is going away, so we are hearing Sustainable, Durable, Eco Friendly.  The terms being used change everyday.

The attention has increased in these topics along with increased desire for Home Owners and Consumers to learn about them.  Just like many other things, often times we go to the internet to learn about them.  You can search Sustainable Building Design and you get 1.1 Million results.

Out of those 1.1 M results, how many of them are from YOUR area?  Not searching local could potentially make you hanging your Benjamins out to dry.

This is something that we as consumers really need to start thinking about.  Is the article relating to cost? How about a construction technique?

The way I'll explain it all is this, for example:

You are reading an article on Windows.  It is jam packed with EXCELLENT information!  However, the article is regarding a line of windows some primarily in the Northern parts of the United States.  Did you know that the windows sold up North are different than the ones sold down here in Houston and other Southern States?

The Low E coating is on a completely different window facing that ALLOWS the Heat to enter the home to help warm it up during the Winter.  Where down in Houston we look at the Low E coating AND the Solar Heat Guard Rating to NOT ALLOW the heat through, that would be AWFUL during the summer. 

Well, this article has nothing to do with windows. It has to do with this.  If the point of reading the article is to know what questions to ask a local contractor and preparing yourself for a LARGE investment such as new windows, you may be getting the completely wrong information depending what area you reside.

This goes with so many topics in the Sustainable and Green Building world.  Another one for example is Green Roofs.  They are excellent in many parts of the world, but down South in a Hot and Humid Climate?  Not so much.  It can be quite the opposite if it is not designed properly because we have SO much Humidity and Rain down here.  It could potentially cause quite a mold and mildew problem in the Home/Building.

So if you are searching the internet for information on Sustainable Building Practices, make sure you search local. Here are a couple of things to consider trying when doing an internet search:

• Windows for example: Try searching- 'Energy Efficient Windows Houston' or 'Double Pane Window Ratings Houston'
• Check out the International Energy Code Council Climate Zone Map to find out what your climate is considered.  Click to your State and find out the Details.  Houston for example is Hot and Humid. We have to worry about potential mold and mildew, Solar Heat Gain, etc.
• If you are reading some fantastic information on products not in your area, contact the person writing and find out if they know an expert closer to you.
• Use some other .gov or .org sites to assist in finding a local expert. For example, Department of Energy, Energy Star, US Green Building Council or your local Builders Association.

Retrofitting your home or building New can be an enormous investment, just make sure that you have the right information before making your decisions.  Improper Building Techniques for your area can make the entire 'Home System' FAIL in the future.  Sustainable Homes are TRULY Regional for the benefit and comfort of the Homeowner.

Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"?   If you think that it is possible for a home to be both a "luxury home" and  eco-savvyyou are one person who has given some thought to how the building is to be used.

Flexible design a key feature in green-built homes. Size and function matter when you are talking about environmental impact. In fact, size can be quite a lively, if not controversial subject with our green buyer clients and eco-friendly builders and developers.

Can a "Luxury" home also be "Green"?

As you consider  your answer, you may want to take into account the relationship between size and  sustainability.

After all, some people will tell you that  "luxury" real estate may come in many shapes and sizes. There are small footprints with three-stories rising in the trees and lots of square footage, there are larger footprints set neatly into the landscape.  

And then , too, you have to think about the green features. There are homes sited to take advantage of solar benefits.  And, there are those very large homes designed to take advantage of nature, or privacy, or  architectural excellence; signature homes that may, in some cases, offer eco-savvy features.

 Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"? YOU DECIDE.

I'm going to tell you about one of those cases right now; one that involves Amazing Views, Green Design & Ideal Location . I am going to tell you this story from the point of view of the artist/builder, a custom, eco-informed builder  in Asheville, NC.  And I will share a list of green features so that you can decide if this home, considered by many to be "luxury home" is eco-savvy...

What the green builder will tell you: "The home takes advantage of desirable Southern exposure, a passive solar design, and a large covered deck which maximizes the visual connection to nature on 3.5 acres of pristine forest with commanding year round mountain views.

The home was built using green design principles ensuring energy efficiency, health and low maintenance while providing an elegant ambiance and a close relationship with the surrounding environment. The home was sited to maximize the mountain views and the preservation of the existing hardwood trees and the flowering rhododendrons. Hiking trails and the best that nature has to offer await right at your back door [and there is ]  a beautiful and edible landscape featuring strawberries, blueberries, fig & cherry trees." 

GREEN BUILDING Specs:

 Green Building Attributes: 1. Passive solar design 2. low maintenance exterior 3. highly insulated exterior walls and roof 4. high efficiency variable speed heat pump 5. recycled kitchen cabinets 6. milled on-site cleared and wind-falling trees 7. recycled greenhouse plastic vapor barrier under cement pad 8. natural boric acid termite treatment 9. foiled faced rigid insulation on roof 10. low VOC sub-floor and interior paint 11. low maintenance native and eatable landscape 12. landscape rocks (walls and paths) were obtain on-site and within 1 miles of building site. 13. Over 90% of lighting is fluorescent 14. Grided and finished cement floor adds thermal mass and low maintenance 15. tight high quality Hurd windows 

Design: The main objective was to preserve the mature hardwood trees and rhododendrons while taking advantage of the southern exposure with good "green" and passive solar design. A significant design element is the large south facing sliding glass doors in the great room and bedrooms. This design configuration brings daylight deep into the house, connects the interior space to native hardwood trees, offer pristine views of the mountains, while the southern exposure allows for solar energy gain.

 
The kitchen, living, and dining areas are one big space with large areas of glazing on south side. These windows are protected during the hot summer months by the mature deciduous trees, adding to the house's overall energy efficiency. The north and west face has minimum window area. The color palette (bronze) of the exterior surfaces are dark, absorbing solar energy during the winter months. The abundance of hardwood trees around the house keep it cool during the warmer seasons while also maintaining complete privacy. The net result is extremely low energy use with an average utility bill of less than $50/month. All domestic energy demands are 100% electric supplemented with a wood burning stove. 

Construction: The house is built using basic stick framing with low maintenance cement board siding trimmed with western red cedar. A maroon-color standing seam metal roof adds aesthetic qualities while contributing to the sustainability and low maintenance of the exterior. The interior woodwork is highly crafted of fine hardwoods milled on-site. 

Landscape Design:The 3.5 acre site is blessed with an abundance of mature hardwood trees, native rhododendrons and mountain laurels. The house site was carefully placed on top of a sloping knoll so as to maintain the largest oak, hickory, and maple trees and the many native (flame) azaleas. After careful thinning of the wooded area, native plants were incorporated into the landscape, such as oak leaf and flowering hydrangeas, ferns, dogwoods, hemlocks, rhododendrons, hollies, irises, daylilies, laurels, hostas, etc. Many low maintenance edible fruit bearing plants were added including blueberries, strawberries, cherry trees, service berry and herbs. Finally, an area was designated to accommodate a vegetable garden. All planted vegetation is grown organically utilizing the site's top soil supplemented with organic fertilizers and generous amounts of on-site produced compost. 

HVAC:Force air heating and cooling- Trane high efficiency heat pump 14 seer rating, 34,000 BTU/HR Max Blank (Mfg. in Germany) woodstove with baking oven. All HVAC duct work and air handler are within the insulation envelope of the home.

Site: A beautiful south facing mountain property was an opportunity to design a contemporary passive solar home that limit the disturbance of native vegetation while maximizing visual connection to nature. The 3.5 acre site is located  just a 15 minutes from downtown Asheville and 15 minutes to the regional airport. ..and offers complete privacy, sloping land, mature hardwood trees, southern exposure, and 180 degree pristine mountain year-around view. 

Exterior Materials:Hardi panel cement board accented with Vermont slate roofing shakes, vertical grain western red cedar and mahogany, standing seam metal roof, ipe (ironwood),
white oak and locust decking (milled on-site), stainless and galvanized steel fasteners. 

Interior Materials:Painted drywall, quarter-sawn white, red oak and hickory floors, quarter sawn oak, walnut, and cherry trim, white oak/steel tubing baluster, split-face block, granite counter top and hearth, stainless steel counter tops, and T&G spruce cathedral ceiling in great room. All hardwood flooring and trim were milled (quarter-sawn) on-site from building site trees and wind fallen trees found near the site. 

Cabinetry:Custom built and recycled kitchen cabinets (birdseye maple faced drawers and doors featuring Blum hardware with full extension under-mount slides and soft close blumotion). Bathroom cabinetry utilizes black cherry, mahogany, white oak, black walnut, and stainless steel.

Windows:High Efficiency Hurd sliding doors and windows. Anodized bronze aluminum cladding with wood interior. 

Insulation: Formaldehyde free fiberglass wall insulation R19 and R30 (1st level). Foil face polyisocyanurate foam insulation under 1st level cement floor R14, behind block walls R17, and roof R42

Now to your evaluation and your answer to the question. For sure, this home is a LUXURY HOME.
So- Can a "Luxury" home also be "Green"?  
Let me know what YOU think. . .

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Curious about sustainable Green real estate possibilities ? Simply pedal on over to  Convivial Blogger Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG  and SUBSCRIBE 

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............to keep on rolling into the sustainable  world you can create today and tomorrow!. .........................    .............

Can a "Luxury" Home also be "Green"? .The Eco-Steward Firm, ALL Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants!  Copyright © 2009 All Rights Reserved.

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