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This photo and opposite: interior space of the new studio out, and unlike fluorescent lights they contain no mercury or other toxic substances. Galvanized metal (instead of wood) is used on the studio eaves. This practical, maintenancefree solution gives the studio a modern, updated feel. The deck is made of Trex material, also reflecting a clean, contemporary look. Because it is fastened from the bottom, there are no visible screws. Trex decking is made up of materials that would normally go unused in a landfill, such as discarded plastic and scrap wood. The Potters did not want their studio to stand out as an obvious addition, so they designed it to have a look and feel that flowed with their main house, a 1950s ranch home. Both places have a low, linear feel with a pitched ceiling, and they each reflect a hip revival of mid-century style. The exterior of the studio is covered in tinted stucco to match the color of the main house. The sustainable pluses for stucco are durability and breathability, and tinted stucco lasts four times longer than paint. What did this little green oasis cost? The 180-square-foot studio with furnishings (excluding the porch) totaled $20,000. How does this price compare to standard construction? SIP material costs typically run about 20% more than stick frame construction, but dig a little deeper and you will discover bigger savings overall. Because SIP panels are pre-cut and pre-fabricated, there is a 20-30% savings on labor, and pre-insulated means no insulation costs. Framing costs are about 30% less, electrical is installed 20-30% faster, and a tighter house saves on energy, which means a smaller HVAC unit. Add it all up and green is worth more than just bragging rights. For more photos of the Potters’ home see Indra’s blog, inspireyourlifestyle.com Chaim and Nate Potter with their two sons MAy / J U N E 2 0 1 3 43


NVLife_MayJune_2013
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