The Product Guy

Jun 2 2009 1:19PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (5) |
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By Nick Bajzek

Jeremy Friedman, of Kaloosa Builders broke new ground with the first green-certified home in Alabama (and only the 173rd in the nation) under the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Program

This cottage-style, 3,600-square foot spec home in Fairhope, Ala. not only received a gold rating, it became only the 173rd home nationwide to qualify for any rating since the NAHB National Green Building Program was created in 2005.

The Fairhope Green home is being built according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Guidelines. Builders can score points with the program based on using energy efficient methods and appliances, show water conservation in place and good indoor air quality.

Designed by Chatham Home Planning, the home includes some great amenities. These include exposed rafter rails and Cypress board and batten siding with Cedar shake details.

The real story here are the products used—I was alerted to the house thanks to the company Huber Engineered Woods. The company produces the AdvanTech ZIP System roof and wall sheathing; the sheathing actually eliminates the need for Housewrap and, because of the built-in barriers, it provides great moisture resistance. Best part is that the ZIP system uses Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) wood.  Friedman also chose to use Huber's AdvanTech flooring on the project. The flooring has a greater water resistance, design bending strength and stiffness than commodity OSB and plywood--it also diminishes floor squeaks, bounce and moisture-related construction delays. “I believe AdvanTech flooring is very stiff and features clear fastening guides, which allowed installation to go smoothly,” said Friedman. “In my opinion, there were no issues with cupping, delamination or swelling, and I’m confident the homeowner will enjoy quiet floors for many years."


Other details include (but aren’t limited to)
-Waterfurnace Geothermal Heating and Cooling
-Icynene Spray Foam insulation
-Integrity Wood-Clad windows
-Reclaimed flooring and other elements
-Dual flush toilets
-Low-flow fixtures
-Thermador kitchen appliances

Thanks to these products and methods, the home scored 439 points and snagged a gold rating. 

Specifications
Stories: 2
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4
Total Living Area: 3610sq. ft.
First Floor: 2324sq ft.
Second Floor: 1286sq. ft.
Master Bedroom: First Floor
Parking: 528sq. ft.
Style: Cottage
Garage Car Spaces: 2
House Footprint: Width 52ft.
Depth: 62ft.
Available Foundations: Floating Slab

Check out www.fairhopegreenhome.com and www.advantechperforms.com