Hi Everyone,

We have some new pictures finally uploaded. Recently Puget Sound experienced a 4.5 earthquake. We were just waking up at the time and it shook the house. The steel cables made lots of noise against the metal hand rail and our bed shook pretty good. There was no damage to the house and all is good. Also I know the headaches page is quite popular but luckily things are progressing very smoothly, although slow. Here's what we've accomplished since getting back from Asia in mid December;

1. Painting interior about 2/3 of the house done.

2. Had our final inspection and need to add an Air Gap for our dishwasher, some additional steel cables to block off a small triangle opening by the stairs, turn the hand rail ends in toward the wall to prevent ones clothes from catching, and putting some 90 degree elbows on a few pipes outside. All are complete now.

3. Installed the wet-bar sink and faucet.

4. Finished all the tiling in master bathroom and mudroom.

5. Covered up the outside stair risers with cedar by front and side porches.

What's Left:
1. Solar panel purchase and install. (We're waiting to see what incentives come out in 2009 and saving up, currently we're most interested in http://www.evergreensolar.com/ also considering a hybrid wind/solar option see this great article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008670567_googlewind26m.html

2. Paint.

3. Purchase and install the rain catch barrels to the downspouts.

4. Trim


Newest Pictures!






Why it's Green?

Here are some things that make our project a green remodel, feel free to google for more info:

1. Stacked floor plan design saves materials, energy costs, and doesn't take away permeable surfaces for ground water.
2. To save on permeable surfaces we're only adding 4X30 feet of foundation or 120 sq ft. Less than 1% of the whole lot.
3. Minimal impact to trees, taking steps to protect trees and vegetation.
4. Only adding on as much space as we'll need, Grace (our Architect) did an excellent job of making the most out of spaces and adding multi use areas.
5. Instead of demolition where materials end up in a landfill, we're deconstructing, reusing framing lumber and other parts, donating other items, and recycling as much as possible.
6. FSC lumber, engineered wood (glulams, PSL, I-joists), and will reuse some of the good lumber off house.
7. Our framer (Anatoly from N&R construction) used practices that will help conserve energy. (allow more space for insulation )
8. Using more spray foam insulation www.biobased.net made from soybeans. It's extremely efficient.helps to control heating and cooling cost, in turn not taxing our limited resources.
9. Using recycled materials like Paperstone siding and counter tops. See: www.paperstoneproducts.com
10. Using materials that will last longer Fiber cement Hardi Board planks and panels for siding and Fiberglass windows
11. Energy efficient windows.
12. Adding more windows to allow light in and heat the house with passive solar heating.
13. Metal roof will last longer and the material does not create toxic run off so we can have rain barrels and use water for plants.
14. Try to use local materials from NW. (less gas used to transport)
15. Bamboo floors and stairs, fast growing unlike other trees more commonly used.
16. Solar panels tied to electric grid.
17. Radiant floor heat
18. Low VOC paint and finishes.
19. Rain catchment system, recycle water
20. Dual flush toilet
21. Shoe cubby, No shoes in house. Shoes bring in lots of chemicals, dirt and allergens from outside. Occasionally Sirima catches me and I'm in trouble :-)
22. Energy efficient appliance

Credits:

Architect - Grace Huang. Ming|Architecture and Design
General Contractor Green consultant - John Alexander. http://www.sunshineconstruction.biz/
Deconstruction - Dave Bennink Re-Use Consulting
Framing - N&R Construction http://nrconstruction.webs.com/index.htm
Radiant floors & HVAC - Stuart Nelson Heating
Steel Stairs - Metalistics
Overall labor and support -Our dear family and friends.

Before	After For Sure