greengateguesthouse

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We are proud to be participating in the LEED for Homes Pilot Program. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.

Homes seeking LEED certification are rated and third party verified in the five key areas of sustainable site selection, water conservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and materials and resources.

Significant challenges were faced incorporating innovative greenbuilding strategies, while maintaining the historic aesthetic appeal of the original barn that inspired the project. Once completed, Green Gate Guest House aims to achieve LEED Gold certification.  Some of the key project features include:

• Deconstruction and re-use/recycling of nearly 100% of the original 1935 barn.
• FSC-Certified lumber used for 100% of building framework/sheathing and windows.
• Low water use fixtures and innovative water conservation strategies such as grey water re-use (coming soon!) and rainwater irrigation.
• Super-efficient building envelope including passive-solar orientation, Icynene/cellulose insulation, triple-glazed windows, and insulated slab-on-grade foundation.
• In-floor and in-wall hydronic heating system (heat supplied by 9-panel solar hot water array with electric boiler backup).
• High efficiency Heat-Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system.
• High efficiency (SEER 22) air conditioning/heat pump system.
• Wood pellet-burning biomass stove in living room for supplemental heat and ambiance.
• Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) system which reclaims 40% of shower water heat.
• Energy-Star Tier III high-efficiency kitchen appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, electric-induction cooktop).
• LED and CFL lighting systems..
• Whole-house energy-monitoring system.
• “Functional” landscape design featuring native plants, vegetable gardens, rainwater collection and reclaimed materials.
• Natural, non-toxic and reclaimed or locally-sourced materials used whenever possible.
• Organic linens, towels, mattress (in one bedroom), and non-toxic cleaning products.