For Sale in Durham - NC Sustainable Design Competition Winner

Self-Help is nearing completion of our sustainable design house at 1020 Kent Street. This home has really challenged us to think about how we create energy efficient, affordable homes. Aside from the fact that we've come out with a great house, we've also learned some things that we will be carrying forward into our future new construction.

I've posted some photos below, along with a list of sustainable design features. The interior is starting to take shape, and I hope to have lots of pictures soon. I think the interior will turn our to be very modern and stylish, in addition to being energy efficient. The cabinets and countertops went into the kitchen this week, and we'll also be putting in glass shelves for the kitchen. The kitchen will be a real centerpiece when combined with the stained concrete flooring in the living areas and the open design of the home.

Here's a short list of our sustainable design features:

• Location on a 0.11 acre infill lot in an urban neighborhood, with existing infrastructure and utilities. The location provides easy access to public transit, shops and services, and recreational and employment opportunities.
• A space-efficient 1180 square foot plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and an open layout.
• Exterior walls that use 2 x 6 framing insulated with open cell sprayed foam insulation. The sprayed foam insulation will also be used in the ceiling, resulting in an air tight and highly insulated building envelope.
• ENERGY STAR qualified shingles that reflect sunlight, in order to reduce the cooling load.
• Passive solar design elements, including numerous south-facing windows, a generous roof overhang and a vegetated shade screen.
• ENERGY STAR certified 7/8" thick insulated LoE2 glass windows filled with argon gas.
• Extremely energy efficient 15.0 SEER-rated heat pump system.
• ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher, refrigerator, range hood, bathroom exhaust fans, and ceiling fans. Also, fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs will be featured in many rooms.
• Water conserving features such as low-flow faucets, drought-resistant landscaping, and a 55-gallon rain barrel.
• Vanguard MANABLOC manifold plumbing system to provide water quickly and efficiently, reducing water use and water heating costs.
• Indoor air quality improvements through the use of zero volatile organic compound (VOC) interior paint, low VOC exterior paint, well-planned moisture management and fresh air exchange, and a carbon monoxide detector.
• Stained concrete flooring in the main living spaces and tile flooring in the bathrooms for durability and improved indoor air quality.
• Universal design elements such as a wheelchair accessible entrance ramp and ADA compliant doorways, hallways and rooms.
• Recycling center built into the kitchen.
• Salvaged, reclaimed brick used to build garden planter, porch border and steps.
• Certification that the home meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR standards for energy efficiency, and SystemVision standards for comfort, durability, energy efficiency, health, and safety.
• A SystemVision guarantee that the heating and cooling portion of the homeowner's monthly utility bills will not exceed approximately $30 per month.

Besides the sustainability factor, the other great thing about this house is that it's priced at $120,000. We can also recommend state and city loan programs that significantly reduce the monthly mortgage payment.

Here are some pictures of the house. These are a few weeks old - the builders have been working so hard on site that it's a challenge to get in and take new pictures. That's a good thing, as they plan to finish the home in the next few weeks.

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