Quality Standards
My new home designs shall conform to these Quality Standards:
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Maximize the use of locally-sourced, non-toxic building materials that are natural, recycled, salvaged, rapidly renewable, and/or minimally processed.
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Built to last while costing less to operate and maintain. Durability is the greenest aspect of my homes.
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Meet or exceed WaterSense and EPA Indoor airPLUS certification standards.
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Designs guided by Building Biology: radiant heat and cooling preferred over ducted forced air, reduced/shielded EMFs, hygroscopic walls, and a constant supply of ion-rich fresh air.
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Reduce construction waste through modular design, comprehensive recycling, and more efficient construction techniques.
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Strive to be as formaldehyde-free as possible.
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Use only paints, adhesives, sealants, floor coverings, and finish materials that are California Department of Public Health Section 01350 compliant.
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Minimize the use of petroleum-based products.
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Avoid using innovation for innovation sake. Instead, judiciously use state-of-the-art systems and low-tech solutions that have proven performance, efficiencies, and economies.
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Adhere to Not So Big design principles: quality over quantity, floor plans that reflect the way we really live, architecture that inspires, and more built-ins to reduce furniture needs.
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Economically leverage the earth and the sun—nature’s most abundant sources of energy.
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Have mainstream appeal, offered at a fair price.