We have completed a 3900 square foot ranch style with a finished walk out basement.
This luxurious home has five bedrooms (three up and two down) including a master suite and baby’s room, Jenn-Air appliances,
a peninsular fireplace, custom built cabinets by Black Forest Woodwork, three and a half baths, an enormous Watertech whirlpool bath,
a lovely deck, large utility storage space, and a workroom with access to the basement bath.
Click here for photos of this wonderful home.
Green building concerns that have been incorporated into this project include:
The 2 x 6 exterior wall allows for 30% increase in insulation value which has been shown to reduce
utility costs proportionally.
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Since the house is built on former farmland, we decided to ensure the security of its stability
by going below the recommended depth for foundations (usually only 24 inches for footers), and extended the strength of
this home by including four feet of foundation wall below grade, filled in with high quality gravel.
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The ceiling fans, located in the master suite and the first floor great room assure uniform distribution of extra
heat generated by the peninsular fireplace. The fan placed strategically in the basement family room will
help circulate air throughout the basement as well as draft air between the floors.
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Pipes are protected with foam insulation which functions both to maintain the temperature
of their contents (i.e., hot water stays hotter, cold stays colder) requiring less waste to adjust temperatures,
and to protect against any condensation that might form on a pipe and discolor drywall.
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Our air conditioner has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 13 (SEER-13),
exceeding the current SEER-10 standard set by the energy department.
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Windows can account for up to 30% of the annual energy consumed in a home. Low-e glass reduces
heat and cooling loads by reflecting back long wave heat energy, outside during the summer and inside during the winter.
The invisible metal coating in low-e glass also protects against harmful short wave infrared and UV rays that fade carpet
and furniture (up to 78% reduction), at the same time allowing the visible light to freely enter. Studies have
demonstrated low-e glass can save an average of 15% on utility bills over regular dual pane glass in Kentucky
under controlled conditions.
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Benefits of Built-Best™
Low-E Windows:
1. Built-Best Low-E windows allow most natural light to enter freely but absorb a significant portion of short-wave heat energy.
2. In the summer, long-wave heat energy is reflected back outside, lowering cooling cost.
3. In winter, internal long wave heat energy is reflected back inside, lowering heating cost.
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Constructed I-beams are allowed by code to be placed at 24” on center, but we maintain that
this is a bare minimum standard and that placement at 16” assures a secure floor without warp or squeaks for many
years of enjoyment.
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Light color shingles and brick are shown to reduce utility costs even further as the sun’s
heat is reflected in the hot summer months.
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The Shetlands is a closed circle with a couple of intersects within the enclosure. Red Leaf Drive is
the only entrance/exit to the subdivision, opening onto Star Shoot Parkway. A pool is located directly across the
street from this home, the expansive Hamburg Place shopping area is within easy walking distance, as is a well recognized
Christian church, Northeast Christian. An elementary school is approved by the city at the only building site left within
view of this house, across the street on 15 acres, separated from The Shetlands by a strip of designated nonbuildable
green space.
We also have an empty lot at 804 Red Leaf Court which is available for construction under contract.
This is an ideal piece for a starter home or a couple with small children who would prefer the seclusion of the
cul-de-sac (although it is worth noting that The Shetlands is, if fact, a giant cul-de-sac as a whole).
We anticipate beginning work on a subdivision within the next five years which will
incorporate more green building features as subdivision standards. These will include geothermal
heat pumps and gray water conversion systems. We are currently investigating R-45 insulation in 2 x 4 walls
with a soy based product and sustainable roofing such as metal or slate with lifetime guarantees.
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