Green/Healthy/Sustainable Home For Sale in Ashland

This one of a kind design lends itself to high wind and seismic events. The unique construction technic’s are described below:

1) Planning
Shape a golden rectangle meaning 1:167 or in this case 24’ x 40’. *See Feng Shui chart on back of Northwest Design & Restoration, Inc.’s brochure at www.northwestdesign.us

2) Balloon Framing
This type of 19th century full-length stud framing construction makes it nearly impossible for floors to be detached from each other in a high wind or earthquake. There 2” x 6” x 20’long studs walls on the heated concrete slab.

3) Hydronically Heated Slab
Heated floors are the cat’s meow. They deter mold and are quiet and comfortable. The 5 1/2” thick re-enforced concrete slab isolated from the earth with a double bubble insulation. Horizontal rebar is placed 12” on center each way and held up off the double white insulation. 1/2” pex pipe is zip tied to the top of the #3 (3/8”) rebar @ 12” on center. A maximum length of 300’ for each loop (zone). Each loop is “homerunned” into a manifold where the supply or return can be adjusted with flow valves. The heating source for the water may be from a domestic water heater LP gas. An expansion tank installed above the water heater. A timed thermostat that fires up the system an hour or two before heat is needed aids in the efficiency of the system. Approximately a 1/35 HP pump or 3-way valve is what the thermostat activates.

4) Cooling
This wonderful cozy home is located about 2200'(plus or minus) above sea level. Temperatures are 10-15 degrees cooler during the summer and in town. Cupola with a motorized casement windows and (5) manually operated window help keep the home cooler and there's great cross ventilation.

5) Floor System (Main Floor)
Full 40’ long 11 7/8” deep I joists supported by (2) Glulam beams on 6 x 6 posts. The sub floor such as 3/4” thick OSB tongue and groove flooring is glued and ring-shanked nailed to the top chord of the I joists. Hydronic heating is installed for wood floors the following way:

a) A double white reflective foil is stapled down to the sub floor and taped. 1” x 4” cedar sleepers at 24” on center are galvanized nailed perpendicular to I joists. The 1” x 4” cedar sleepers are stopped a couple of inches short of the wall. 1/2” pex pipe is stapled to the sub floor at 12” on center. A concrete self-leveling slurry is poured between the sleepers (hydronic heating pipe works best in mass) level with the top of the sleepers. Craftpaper is stapled down to the sleepers. A narrow plank tongue and groove Doug Fir wood floor is then blind nailed into the sleepers. The wood floor end matched (tongue and groove). The Douglas fir floor has turned a nice shade of red as it has aged. Tile is installed on wonder board or hardbacker in a similar way. Most owners have their guests remove their shoes at the door so they can experience the wonderful warm floors. All of the floors except the loft are hydronically heated.

6) Roof System
A most unique framing system is done in the following manner:

7) Wall Framing
Bracewall panels are installed 7/16 oriented strand board or plywood panel is used only in these areas by ripping the studs, plates and sills the 7/16 thickness. Follow the nail pattern per code. A perforated reflective foil and tyvek or sim is then installed on the open studs and brace panels. 5/8 x 4 corners and trim. The concrete fiber lap siding carries a 25 year warranty.

8) Loft
Attic/coffer ceiling trusses are used in. The loft is above the bedroom and bath. Operable & shaded skylights are used in the loft area.

9) Formaldehyde free gyp board has been used over the formaldehyde free blown-in-batts (B.I.B.) system is done.

10) Wiring
MC cable has been used instead of Romex. The twisted shielded wire along with the ground metal boxes illuminates those electro magnetic fields.

11)Duct Work
There is no duct work in this green/healthy home.

12) Bad Earth energy such as grid lines, underground water veins, vortexes and 60 cycle harmonics have been eliminated.

13) 2 Microwave Ovens
Kitchen appliances are all stainless steel and high end. The dual fuel 5 burner gas stove has four electric ovens.

14) Additional Heating and Cooking Source
It is always good to have an alternate source of heat. A wood stove (Vermont Castings) with a flat top and glass door serves for additional heating and cooking source if utilities are interrupted. It also adds ambiance to this fine home.

15) Plumbing
Aqua pex pipe is used throughout the entire house.

16) RV Parking
Covered RV parking and hookups under deck

17) Deck & Hot Tub
Massive redwood deck with recessed high-end hot tub

18) Handicap Accessible
Almost everything is accessible.

19) Additional Building Spot
Additional approved and permitted building site with water and electrical conduits in place with dirt drive in place. And pad is cut.

20) Garage/Shop
Tall drive through garage doors, heated apoxy floor, structured and wiring throughout the house.

In summary
This type of construction:

Northwest Design's beliefs: