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NVLife_NovDec_2012

add three layers of insulation. Everything is sealed tight so the air can’t get in or out.” So how do you breathe in the home? “One method we use is mechanically with Heat Recovery Ventilation, a unit up on the ceiling; there’s an exterior air intake that lets fresh air in and captures heat when it exhausts air. It’s constantly venting fresh air, meaning you can have all the windows closed and turn the unit on and get fresh air – but you won’t lose heat.” Massaro pointed out you can also open all windows and use fans to get a natural cooling effect. There are awnings over the windows that keep the hot summer sun out. The big homes have wood awnings while the small homes have steel awnings (shown right). A living wall has also been erected to further insulate the home from the extreme summer heat and to add an aesthetic appearance to the home. “We use leftover materials like hand rails and turned them into a feature. In the shower and bathroom we used reused roofing material on the walls. It’s very indestructible,” said Massaro. “We also use concrete on walls and surfaces, which is very durable. The home is cool even Some unique features of the OHome without air conditioning being on. It can be 102 degrees outside but 76 degrees inside. People say it’s very quiet, and that they get a sense of USeS 20%LeSS WATeR THAnTHeAveRAge neW HOMe. The peacefulness.” OHome uses water-saving technology in all kitchens, bathrooms, and Carpeting is not used in the OHomes. “The advantage of hard appliances. surfaces is that they are easier to clean. And for people with allergies, nO COLD FeeT!Your feet don’t get cold walking on the concrete floor! it’s best not to have carpet,” said Massaro. “We put bamboo and cork Why? Because it’s insulated beneath and outside! floors in the bedrooms and burlap on the walls. The quality of paint has improved. The countertops are Caesarstone, which is recycled marble.” WeRUnTHeHOMe “OnTHe gRID”FOR 30DAYS to measure energy usebefore we size the Photovoltaic (Pv) system. That’s good All homes are powered by solar. Everything is xeriscape. The homes solar planning! have Net Zero Energy and electricity, gas or electrical. They also have a list of sustainable options like grey water recovery. WALLS AReSTAIneD COnCReTe – easy to keep clean and mildew- free! Rooftop garden is designed on the granny unit model to showcase how a roof can be utilized for additional outdoor living space. You can nO TILeInOUR OHOMe. We keep all of our countertops smooth. go up a spiral staircase and have your own private outdoor space with a Why? It’s easier to clean and resists mold and icky bacteria. garden. WeUSeRePURPOSeD MeTAL ROOFIng as a shower and bathroom Interested homebuyers are not limited to the model homes shown, wall – a unique feature in this OHome that protects our natural explained Massaro. “These OHomes showcase our technology and resources. can be applied to any design, whether it be a Craftsman, Ranch or nOFORMALDeHYDe eMISSIOnS in your OHome. We simply do not Victorian.” use materials with this known carcinogen. Massaro’s crew has been using this state-of-the-art technology since 2006. “We started to improve and expand on the technology. In 2008 MOveInTO YOUR HOMeFASTeR!OHomes are designed to be erected and completed in weeks, not months like other homes. Time is we got the idea of Greener, Faster and Healthier. We have several money, after all! projects to build in the winter and spring next year. We also have developers interested in So Cal and Brazil in creating Eco-villages.” ReCYCLeD (OSB) exTeRIOR SIDIng used as ceiling material – no toxic materials. This also reduces the amount of construction waste. “Our homes are earthquake- and fire-resistant. There is earthquake bracing in the walls; it goes beyond standard SEER. Everything DOUBLe gLAzIng on your windows is more energy-efficient: keeps is bolted 24 inches in ceiling. It’s fire-resistant inside and outside. you warm during winter and cool during the summer. Nothing but furniture would burn – the outside is made of steel and fiber cement. It's not fireproof, but resistant, much more resistant than nO AIR LeAkAge:Our electrical outlets are sealed up tight, avoiding wood.” the most common place a home’s insulation is compromised. The homes are designed to be affordable. A lot of upgrades are 44 SUSTAInABLeeLeMenTS OF OTeCHnOLOgY:greater Insulation, included in the small home, priced at $189,000; the big home is Bio-Diesel, Propane,extreme Climate, Solarelectricity, Car Charger, $299,000. The OHome is currently going through LEED platinum Tight Airenvelope, Faster Construction, Living Roof, Roofgarden, gray Water System, Battery Storage, Heat Recovery, Doubleglaze, certification. “When you build hardcore green homes, people believe Tripleglaze, Indoor Air Quality, LowvOC, Carbon Footprint, USgBC they are super-expensive,” he said. “We can do a dark green home with LeeD,xeriscape, Local Labor, Rain Screen, Solar Hot Water, Passive no price difference, but we do have cost-effective designs.” Solar,no PvC, Passive Cooling,no Formaldehyde, Recycle Reuse If you are interested in a backyard secondary unit or a home, go Reduce, Factor 5, Home Automation,eco Lumber, Snow Load, Rainwater Capture, 24volt Power,energy Star Compliant, Wind to website hbtg.com and send an email. You can also spend the night energy, Composting Toilet, Structural Insulation Panel, Healthy Home, at one of their homes. People say it is quiet, a different experience, Thermal Slab, Disaster Resistant, Water Savings. according to Massaro. N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2 53


NVLife_NovDec_2012
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