Many Shades of Green

This home addition project in Santa Barbara, CA, faced challenges typical to many urban settings: a long, narrow lot; architecturally significant existing structures; exacting open space and dwelling size requirements; and two established oak trees.

Instead of simply plopping an addition across the top of the two existing 650 square foot cottages, project designers took a vertical approach and nestled a two-story addition between the cottages, adding additional square footage below grade as a finished basement.

Faced with view preservation ordinances, open space requirements and dwelling size restrictions, reaching down offers a sound and surprisingly green compromise. Building below grade utilizes the earth’s natural insulating properties, and makes most efficient use of available space. Additionally, concrete basement walls offer superior insulation to walls framed with lumber.

Natural lighting in all living spaces is key to reducing energy consumption and waste. We brought light into this basement space through ground level windows and a glass door.

Green materials used in this project included engineered lumber products, certified lumber, formaldehyde-free MDF, Hardipanel fiber-cement siding, cotton-fiber insulation made from recycled blue jeans, and clad, low-E windows and doors. Energy- and water-efficient appliances and fireplaces… as well as tankless water heaters… were also installed. A highly efficient HVAC system using air filtration and Puron gas minimizes energy consumption and increases air quality; the home is pre-wired for a future photovoltaic system.

Design team: Alex Pujo (Pujo and Associates Architecture), Stephanie Christoff (Christoff Design), Robert Wolf (R.A.W. Concepts Architecture), Tappan Builders.

Project craftsmen: John Jeszeck, Kenneth Hoffman Construction, LaDouce Electric, Larry Praissman Plumbing, Air Systems, Dave Cavalli, Craig Johnson, Tom Taylor, Juventino Castro-Chavez, Juvencio Castro-Chavez, Heartwood Flooring, Evan Gantz Painting, K and K Painting, Dan Rohde Tile, Rincon Ironworks, Robert Garcia Drywall, TFT Plastering, Herbert Torres Hauling, Century Stone, Philip Clough Electric, Performance Audio, Jim Boysel Landscaping, Govers Sidewall Shingling, and City Cabinetmakers of San Francisco.

For more information, please contact 510.848.9042 or info@tappanbuilders.com.
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