Chris Donatelli Builders
“Los Altos Residence”
The project that we have chosen to showcase is a new home that we are very proud to present. This is not only due to the beautifully detailed design provided by the architect (Judith Wasserman- Principle, Bressack & Wasserman Architects of Los Altos), or of the quality work that went into the structure by all those involved. We are especially excited to showcase this home because of all the “sustainable” items that were worked into the design. This home is able to function as a true “system”, emphasizing a major philosophy of green building technique. The entire system is only as strong as its parts.
With energy efficiency and performance being a major concern for both us and the homeowner, we prepared heating features that work with the rest of the house, and yet also adapt to the changing seasons of our environment. A concrete slab with radiant heat lies underneath the entire living space. The slab was insulated on the exterior, protecting it from heat loss through the slab edges. The radiant heat system is supplied by a 95% efficient water heater by Phoenix. This unit not only uses an insulated tank and modulating burner to save gas, it is also supplemented by a solar panel that preheats water during our abundant sunshine days. In hotter times of the year, a whole house fan by Airscape will evacuate warm air from living spaces. Cooler air from outside will also be drawn in through open windows in the morning and evening hours. A radiant barrier roof deck will keep the attic spaces from gaining too much heat during daylight hours.
In order to provide a solid shell of insulation to the house, the design team decided to go with Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs) for the exterior walls. These are custom built, forming a building piece by piece. Between the OSB plywood of each panel is 6” of foam material. With spray foam and blown-in cellulose insulation in the ceilings, the house can be comfortable and sealed. The added benefit of the SIPs is that they reduce the need for structural framing in the interior of the home, saving wood.
With indoor air quality being a major concern to the customers, we wanted to provide good air circulation without losing the comfort level. This is done using a heat recovery ventilator (HRV). This unit not only will exchange the indoor air for outdoor, it will condition the outdoor air to match that of the indoor environment. Therefore you are not continually heating new air to your liking. To further benefit the indoor environment, the interior painting was done with low v.o.c. (volatile organic compounds) paint.
To round out the efficient design, double-paned, low-e, argon filled windows were used to counteract large heat gains or losses. Passive solar design in the form of a deep porch overhang on the south side of the home will shade in the summer, yet provide some warmth via the low wintertime sun. A light colored stone patio under the porch roof cleverly bounces light into the indoor spaces while windows are shaded.
Our clients have been quite pleased with the home and are very happy with the comfort and performance that it provides. We owe a lot to their openness to new ideas and their desire to pursue green building. The cooperation between architect, client and builder was what made this beautiful home possible.
