The Garst home received the 2007 Olympia Master Builders Thurston County “Best in Show” and “Most Innovative Home” Awards. It is the highest rated Five Star Built Green house in Thurston County, with 542 points. This home was a collaboration between the homeowners, Chris and Sam Garst; the architect, Morton Stafford James III, AIA; and Polar Bear Construction.
The owner’s goal was to build “a work of art that pushed the boundaries of conventional home design and building technologies”. This home has curved walls and roofs, active and passive solar applications, an integrated greenhouse, advanced heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems.
The following is a partial list of “eco-friendly” products and systems used in the home:
- Photo-voltaic solar roof panels
- A ground source heat pump provides heat for the on-grade radiant slab, as well as for domestic and potable hot water
- Advanced framing wall systems
- Raised heel energy trusses
- Icynene spray foam insulation
- Rain screen wall systems
- fiber-cement siding
- TREX decking
- Pervious concrete driveway
- Rain gardens and a 5000 gallon cistern for rainwater management
- FSC and reclaimed lumber make up most of the interior millwork and cabinetry
- Recycled tires are the base for kitchen floor tiles
- Plumbing fixtures are all water conserving
- Appliances are Energy Star Rated
- Air quality is managed by a heat recovery ventilator
- Water feature powered by solar array
The result is an all-electric 2200 sq.ft. house that averages $35-$45/month for all electrical services and uses 15-20% less water than a conventional home.
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