131 Hillside

Perhaps it's the amazing landscape, the sun, the sea, the hillsides and farmlands - all that nature - that inspires Californians to push the limits of what is common, what is accepted, and maybe even what is possible, when it comes to the environment. But thank goodness they do, because we not only get great ideas from it, but also great results. 131 Hillside is one such thing. Architect Scott Lee of SB Architects has created the 1st LEED-H rated home in Marin County, California, in association with a whole slew of wonderful eco-oriented companies and McDonald Construction and Development who completed Northern California's 1st LEED-H Platinum home.

The house has a wonderful feel to it with the stepped multi-levels, large windows, and various balconies and decks. I can't wait to see the pictures of what it looks like as they begin construction, as well as the interior plans. I imagine a sun soaked space with a zen-like feel, but who knows! What I do know is that it's a project worth following - a home with wonderful features that in and of themselves warrant paying attention. The house will use a combination of solar power for electricity and hot water, as well as hydronic floor heating and a passive solar/geothermal combo for AC. The entire exterior of the home is clad in an exposed reclaimed timber and uses a combination of rapidly renewable Western Red Cedar siding and non Portland Cement based stucco. The interior of the home will have engineered veneer floors, recycled content concrete countertops, sinks & tubs, and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Throughout the home, they will be using only energy star rated appliances and low flow plumbing fixtures. In addition, the house uses a slew of insulation techniques like spray in foam insulation made from beet resin and double paned windows and doors. Other important factors were also taken into consideration, so that the home sources most of its materials locally; all the concrete has 'high fly ash' content; and they'll be recycling the maximum amount of construction debris possible. Even the landscape that was planted is drought tolerant and utilizes native plants. With all these factors put together this is going to be one hell of a house!