New – single family | 2012

Owner Lisa Whitridge

Architect | Designer Michelle Jeresek | Departure: Architecture Planning Interiors LLC

General Contractor JRA Green Building  

Engineer  Zac Blodget

Landscape Architect | Designers The Figure Ground Studio | Fiddlehead Landscaping

This new contemporary project used an integrated design process to align with the owner's deep ecological and social values, while providing a playful environment for raising children. Features include a 4.75 kW solar array, metal roof and siding for low maintenance, a 12,000 gallon rainwater cistern, permaculture and site restoration. The home is designed as a net-zero energy and water house — all energy is generated and all water is collected on site.

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)
ductless mini-split
heat recovery ventilator
passive solar
solar PV array
triple-pane windows

Water

composting toilet
gray water reuse  (interior and irrigation)
high-efficiency fixtures 

Site

native plants
rainwater harvesting (interior and irrigation)
water-efficient landscaping

Materials and Indoor Air Quality            

advanced framing
ample natural daylight
construction waste minimization
locally-sourced
natural or zero-toxicity

Lifestyle

food garden

Certifications and Programs

Energy Performance Score
Living Building Challenge
Passive House
US EPA WaterSense

Drop-in workshop Naturescaping 2:00pm

New – single family and ADU | 2011

Owner Portland Water Bureau

Architect | Designer Alan Mascord Design Associates

Interior Designer Rivoli Designs  

General Contractor Nomarco Construction

Landscape Architect | Designer MIG Inc

Website http://www.portlandoregon.gov/water/waterhouse/

This is the first EPA WaterSense-certified house in Oregon. It serves the public and design and construction industry professionals as a laboratory showcasing sustainable building practices, materials and systems. The toilets are flushed with recycled water (gray water). The landscape includes natives and drought tolerant plants. The design is an updated ranch that fits in with the surrounding neighborhood.

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)
ductless mini-split
heat recovery ventilator
whole house on-demand water heating system
energy truss

Water

gray water reuse  (interior)
high-efficiency fixtures

Site

bioswale
native plants
pervious hardscape
rain garden
water-efficient landscaping

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

construction waste minimization
natural or zero-toxicity
recycled-content
radon mitigation 

Certifications and Programs

Earth Advantage
Energy Performance Score 
NW ENERGY STAR
US EPA WaterSense

Drop in workshop - Gray Water Reuse 2:30pm

New – courtyard housing | 12 units | 2012 

Owner Proud Ground

Architect | Designer Lundin Cole Architects PC

General Contractor City House Builders LLC  

Engineer AKS Engineering

Website http://svabodacourt.org/

Proud Ground's success highlights affordable certified green homes that can be available to all. These townhomes are sold to households earning 80 percent and under area median income. There is a green street (vegetated swale), pervious paver court and common green space. This is Portland’s first “shared court” serving pedestrians, community activities, vehicles and storm water drainage. Across the street is Proud Ground's Pardee Commons shown on the 2009 tour. 

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)
ductless mini-split
heat recovery ventilator
solar thermal array
triple-pane windows

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Site

bioswale
native plants
pervious hardscape

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

advanced framing
construction waste minimization
natural or zero-toxicity materials

Lifestyle

designated affordable housing
pocket neighborhood
small footprint
social sustainability and impact

Certifications and Programs

Energy Performance Score  
LEED-Homes  
NW ENERGY STAR   
OR High Performance Home

Drop-in workshop Energy Performance Score (EPS) 4:00pm

New - single family, ADU and studio | 2003 - 2010

Owners Marcia Tate and Walt Quade       

Architect | Designer Walt Quade

Interior Designers Marcia Tate and Walt Quade

General Contractor Walt Quade

Engineer  Miller Engineering  

Landscape Architect | Designer Suzinn Weiss, Marcia Tate and Walt Quade               

Websites http://greenhomeoregon.net/  http://smallhomeoregon.net/

This large 0.5-acre lot was sub-divided and developed, designed and built by the owner. The home features a thermal mass wall, concrete floor and atrium for passive heating and cooling, an expansive ecoroof with beehive and a workshop. The beautiful grounds showcase a food garden, 80 sq. ft. pre-fab studio, 325 sq. ft. cottage and a teardrop trailer.

Energy

energy recovery ventilator
passive solar
radiant in-floor heat
tankless water heater
thermal mass wall

Site

bioswale
ecoroof

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

ample natural daylight
locally-sourced
natural or zero-toxicity
owner-built
pre-fab
recycled-content

Lifestyle

accessibility features
food garden
homestead
green power subscriber
live-work space
part of a collective
small footprint

Remodel – single family | built 1907, remodel 2011 - 2012               

Owner Planet Repair Institute

Architect | Designer Communitecture Inc  

General Contractor Mark Lakeman

Website http://planetrepair.wordpress.com/

This low-impact site is a community-oriented living laboratory for natural building and permaculture, including cob-construction chicken and cat palaces. Natural building techniques perfected here include cob, light-straw clay insulation, earthen plaster, reclaimed materials and labor-intensive construction. A constructed wetland and greenhouse are new. 

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)
passive solar
high-efficiency wood stove
18" thick walls with straw insulation
gray water reuse (interior) 

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Site

ecoroof
native plants
pervious hardscape
rainwater harvesting (irrigation)
permaculture
advanced composting
solar-gain greenhouse

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

advanced framing
construction waste minimization
deconstruction
locally-sourced
natural or zero-toxicity materials
owner-built
recycled-content materials
salvage

Lifestyle

food garden
homestead
part of a collective
small footprint

Soma areas of this site are under construction.

Drop-in workshop Permaculture 2:30pm

New – accessory dwelling unit | 2011 

Owner Kol Peterson

Architect | Designer Studio Eccos Design LLC  

Interior Designer Kol Peterson

General Contractor Stephen Smith | Design Build Portland  

Engineer UTF Consulting  

Landscape Architect | Designer Kol Peterson

Website http://pdxadu.blogspot.com

This high-performance project is a study in building housing that is affordable, comfortable and resource efficient. The owner rents out the main house and lives in the cottage. There are many architectural and artistic touches in this open-feeling space including a mosaic tile tub surround, stained glass wall divider, a remnant steel handrail and alternating tread stairs.

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)       
heat recovery ventilator
passive solar
radiant in-floor heat
solar tube

tankless water heater

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

advanced framing
owner-built
recycled-content
salvage

Lifestyle

small footprint

Certifications and Programs
Energy Performance Score 
Forest Stewardship Council
NW ENERGY STAR

Drop-in workshop  ADU Basics 9:00am

This home is wheelchair accessible.

New – accessory dwelling unit | 2011 

Owners Bruce Niemann and Carolyn Nowosielsk

Architect | Designer Perkins Architectural

General Contractor Hammer & Hand  

This two-story cottage incorporates many energy features including rigid foam board separating the foundation from the ground, a liquid-applied air barrier, high performance insulation, a ductless mini-split heat pump and performance testing. The charming new dwelling replaces a deconstructed garage. 

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)
ductless mini-split
thermally-isolated foundation
liquid-applied air barrier

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

construction waste minimization
deconstruction
locally-sourced

Lifestyle

small footprint

Certifications and Programs

Earth Advantage

Remodel – accessory dwelling unit | remodel 2009 - 2012

Owner Laura Master and Michael Draper

Architect | Designer Dan Lajoie | Departure Design  

General Contractor Hammer & Hand

Engineer Bruce Kinney

Website http://hammerandhand.com/

An existing garage has been converted into an energy-efficient art studio and compact dwelling.  An open outdoor room with sliding doors extends living space to the pocket garden.  Unique touches include a salvaged farm sink, wine barrel stave railings, daylit loft and a mosaic bathroom designed and tiled by the owner.                                                            

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)
air-to-water heat pump
ductless mini-split
tankless water heater

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Site

rainwater harvesting (irrigation)

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

construction waste minimization
locally-sourced materials
natural or zero-toxicity materials
recycled-content materials
salvage 

Lifestyle         

food garden
green power subscriber
small footprint

Remodel – community center | 2011

Owner The Portland Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Authority

Architect | Designer Nye Architecture LLC   

General Contractor Colas Construction Inc

Engineer TM Rippey Consulting Engineers  

Landscape Architect | Designer Vita Nuova LLC  

The June Key Delta sorority, founded by African American women in 1945, sees their renovation of a 1967 brownfield as an opportunity to grow and share restorative design from grassroots efforts. A Living Building Challenge project, the center offers event space and a gallery for community group use. Their community garden is on the adjoining lot. Don't miss their visiting art exhibit from Costa Rica displayed on recycled doors. 

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)       
ductless mini-split
ground source heat pump
solar PV array

Water

gray water reuse (interior)
high-efficiency fixtures

Site

bioswale
native plants
pervious hardscape
rainwater harvesting (irrigation)
brownfield reclamation

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

construction waste minimization                  
natural or zero-toxicity
recycled-content
shipping container

Lifestyle

accessibility features
food garden
social sustainability and impact

Certifications and Programs

Green Investment Fund  
Living Building Challenge
One Percent for Green

Drop-in workshop Living Building Challenge 3:00pm

This building is wheelchair accessible.

New – accessory dwelling unit | 2012 

Owner Brian Fuller

Architect | Designer Stephen Smith | Design Build Portland

General Contractor Design BuildPortland

This compact cottage was built on a 135 ft. deep lot with a rear alley. Warm materials are featured, including a stained concrete floor, stranded bamboo flooring and a countertop crafted from a salvaged urban white oak. The ADU, with minimal power needs and a very low EPS score, is pre-wired for future solar. A garage was deconstructed and the materials salvaged for the new tool shed. The owner currently rents out the main house and lives in the cottage.

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)        

heat recovery ventilator

radiant in-floor heat

tankless water heater

thermally-isolated foundation

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Site

pervious hardscape

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

advanced framing

ample natural daylight

construction waste minimization                 

deconstruction

locally-sourced

salvage

Lifestyle

green power subscriber

small footprint

Certifications and Programs

Earth Advantage

Energy Performance Score

NW ENERGY STAR

New – accessory dwelling unit | 2012

Owner Susan Firpo | SL Firpo Design/Craft

Architect | Designer SL Firpo Design/Craft

General Contractor SL Firpo Design/Craft

Engineer  BK Engineers  

Landscape Architect | Designer SL Firpo Design/Craft

This tiny house was built in 6.5 months and great care was taken to match the main home's 1908 architectural detailing. In addition to the design, the owner/designer acted as general contractor. She made the stair cabinet and the bathroom cabinets out of leftover flooring material and installed the interior finish trim wood work. A ductless mini-split heat pump provides all heating and cooling. The tenants will be invited to share the tranquil backyard with fruit trees.

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)       
ductless mini-split
heat recovery ventilator

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Site

native plants
pervious hardscape

Materials

natural or zero-toxicity
owner-built
recycled-content
salvage

Lifestyle

small footprint

Certifications and Programs

Earth Advantage
NW ENERGY STAR

New - pocket neighborhood | 16 units 

Owner Cully Grove LLC

Architect | Designer Hans Kretschmer and Kai Yonezawa | Green Gables Design and Restoration  

General Contractor  Orange Splot LLC  

Engineer Bill Kehrli | CWK2 Land Development Consultants and Dave Horn 

Website http://www.cullygrove.org/

This unique project, built on two urban lots (370 ft. x 220 ft.), blends intentional community with a pocket farm. Sixteen units will share a 4,400 sq. ft. food garden, green spaces, and on-site well. A common house with guest rooms and small kitchen will be centrally located and parking will be on the edge of the site. The carports will feature 2,000 sq. ft. of green roofs.

Energy

ductless mini-split
heat recovery ventilator
radiant in-floor heat
solar PV array
solar thermal array
solar tube
tankless water heater

Water

gray water reuse  (irrigation)
high-efficiency fixtures

Site

bioswale
ecoroof

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

advanced framing
ample natural daylight
deconstruction and house moving
locally-sourced
natural or zero-toxicity
owner-built

Lifestyle

food garden
homestead
pocket neighborhood
small footprint

Certifications and Programs

Energy Performance Score   
NW ENERGY STAR

OR High Performance Home

This site is under construction, not all buildings are complete or green features visible.

The site only is wheelchair accessible.

Drop-in workshop Small Home Communities 4:00pm

Remodel – single family | built 1946, remodel 2007 - 2012 

Owner Larry Cross | Serendipity DeZign

Architect | Designer Serendipity DeZign

Landscape Architect | Designer Serendipity DeZign

This eclectic remodel is a colorful showcase for Universal Design and accessibility. Mr. Cross uses a walker for mobility. Upgrades include custom bath grab bars, a roll-in shower, low pass-thru shelving, sliding doors, wrap-around ramps and use of reclaimed materials. This project engages the senses and imagination with sounds of garden fountains and chickens, bright colors, ample natural light and varied textures. 

Energy

passive solar
tankless water heater

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Site

pervious hardscape
water-efficient landscaping

Materials and Indoor Air Quality            

ample natural daylight
locally-sourced materials
natural or zero-toxicity materials
salvage

Lifestyle          

accessibility features
car-free household
homestead
live-work space
small footprint
social sustainability and impact

This home is wheelchair accessible.

Owners Robin Cash and Mark Darienzo

Architect | Designer Communitecture and Green Hammer 

General Contractor Green Hammer

Engineer Howard Thurston | New Paradigm Engineering  

Landscape Architect | Designer Marina Wynton Landscape and Interior Design

Website http://www.greenhammer.com/

This three bedroom/ two bath home, built as a Passive House, also showcases water conservation with a 3,000 gallon cistern and metal roof for harvesting cleaner rain water. More features include a large roll-in shower, a waste water heat recovery system, solar PV array, ecoroof, bright colors and bamboo floors within a compact footprint.

Energy

advanced thermal envelope (wall assembly)
drain waste heat recovery
ductless mini-split
heat recovery ventilator
passive solar
solar PV array
triple-pane windows

Water

high-efficiency fixtures

Site

ecoroof
pervious hardscape
rainwater harvesting (interior and irrigation)

Materials and Indoor Air Quality

advanced framing
ample natural daylight
construction waste minimization                 
deconstruction
locally-sourced
natural or zero-toxicity
accessibility features

Certifications and Programs

Earth Advantage  
Energy Performance Score
Forest Stewardship Council
NW ENERGY STAR
Passive House

Drop-in workshops

Rainwater Harvesting 2:00 p.m.
Passive House 3:30 p.m.