Mountain Park Green Showhome
Exterior Specifications

Interior Specifications  |  Interior Elements

The fundamental idea behind the home is to connect the occupants with the natural beauty of the site.  Every primary room has a direct access to significant landscape features immediately outside of the home.  The native stone, cedar, and heavy timber exterior materials are inspired by the natural materials of the site while historic pebble dash stucco further connects the home to the southern Blue Ridge culture.

Site

The home is sited to maximize preservation of existing trees and to minimize grading, enabling the home to merge seamlessly into the surroundings with minimal impact. The roof is designed for a rain water collection system for landscape irrigation. Surrounding the home, landscape design emphasizes restoration of native plant communities and preservation of existing trees while limited lawn areas reduce maintenance and chemical applications.

Building Form

Through thoughtful arrangement of windows, trellises, and roof overhangs, interior spaces are provided with natural, diffused daylight. Prevailing breezes naturally cross ventilate the home through carefully arranged windows, doors,and screening systems.

Materials and Resources

All exterior materials are selected for durability, reducing the home’s dependence on future environmental resources. Most exterior materials are locally harvested or produced. Where available, reclaimed materials are used – the splined-wood floor at the loft,for example, is from a nearby textile mill.  Efficient wood framing techniques are utilized to reduce waste and quantity of framing lumber while increasing building performance.

Energy Efficiency

Passive energy conservation features include a high-performance building envelope with above code insulation and air sealing measures, high performance windows and glazing, and passive cooling and ventilation features.  Thermal solar panels provide hot water throughout the home.  Right-sized, high efficiency HVAC provides improved air quality with less reliance on electricity.  Automated lighting controls such as jamb switches and for site lighting further reduce energy dependence.

Healthy Home Features

Going Green can mean anything from where and how you build a home to the appliances and materials you select to strategies for cutting water and energy waste. Not only do these strategies reduce negative impact on the environment but they also support healthier lifestyle. 

Throughout the home are hypoallergenic interiors, including low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and finishes.  A fresh air ventilation system and water filtration system are also implemented to provide a healthier environment. 

Placement of windows, doors, trellises, and overhangs also allow for ample natural light throughout the home, which can have a profound positive influence on its residents.