Sustainable, Efficient and Healthy features for Ecolumina

Structure and building envelope

Prefab foundation – Superior Walls prefab foundation walls were used because they are waterproof, contain 1/3 the concrete of standard foundations, and are fully insulated and air sealed. The continuous insulation helps retard heat gain and loss thus lowering the operating costs.

High performance Energy-Star Windows from BiltBest - We selected high performance windows having a .31 u-factor, triple e coating for ultra low solar heat gain and, aluminum-cladding for durability. Also, a patented coated glass that reduces the need to clean the outside of the windows. LoE windows

Comprehensive drainage plane - With integrated window and door flashing to keep moisture out. This system keeps moisture out of the wall systems thus keeping the humidity lowered in the house. Mold and other side effects are greatly reduced y controlling the flow of the moisture in the walls.

Structural insulated wall sheathing from DOW- We are using a new structural insulated foam board. Typical foam board is not structural and typical sheathing does not have very good insulating properties. This product allows for a continuous thermal barrier and keeps the shear strength of the sheathing.

Engineering framing – OSB, trusses, and finger-jointed lumber When “stick building” houses using engineered lumber not only reduces that amount of waste in the fabrication process, but it also give you a more rigid and stronger material compared to standard dimensional lumber.

Industrial waste materials used in concrete for slabs and driveway - 30% fly ash used in concrete slabs. By adding fly ash to the concrete mix we are able to recycle waste that is a by product of coal burning.

Recycling the waste wood – Any of the waste from the cuts on the wood is ground up and used as erosion control or for mulch in landscaping.

Spray foam insulation by Icynene – By using spray foam insulation we get a higher effective R-value. The insulation not only insulates but it also air seals limiting heat loss and drafts.

Non-toxic pest control – Non toxic pest control is better for the environment and indoor air quality

Exterior finishes

Recycled roofing shingles from EcoStar – We are using a composite slate shingle made out of recycled rubber. This product is environmentally friendly and is more durable than regular shingles.

Cedar-shake siding from EcoShell - EcoShell has been pre-finished on both sides in the factory to reduce maintenance and provide a better weather barrier to prevent mold and decay.

Stone veneer - Stone veneer will be used instead of full stones. This produces less waste, and is lighter to transport. Also, the stone was mined within 200 miles of Atlanta.

Low VOC stain - All stains used on the project will be Low VOC stains in order to reduce air pollution.

Doors – made out of FSC(Forest Stewardship Council) wood and manufactured in Atlanta.

Mechanical systems

Geothermal HVAC from WaterFurnace - The geothermal heat pump is more efficient since it uses the earth to transfer heat. Further by installing whole house filtration we cut down on allergens and pollutants that lead to bad indoor air quality.

Central Vacuum – A central vacuum system helps reduce the amount of dust in air when cleaning the house.

Lighting - We are in development of a lighting system that captures sunlight and pipes it into the house using fiber optics. This will reduce the amount of energy needed to light the house. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and LED lighting – saves on energy usage.

Tankless hot water heating from Rainnai and Solar thermal water heating - The tankless water heater are located in the remote areas of the house so the hat water will be delivered to the fixtures faster, reducing wasted water and using energy only when needed. The solar thermal heats the water for free using the sun.

Water and plumbing

Low flow water fixtures from Kohler- We are using all Kohler low flow water fixture to reduce the amount of water needed for normal operation of the house. - Dual flush toilets (.88 and 1.4 gallon flush options that save apprx. 5,000 gallons per fixture /year)
- Low flow faucets (1.5 gpm vs. 2.2 - a 30% savings)
- Low flow shower heads (2.0 gpm - a 20% savings vs std heads )
- Cast iron tubs (recyclable, hold heat better)

Rain water collection - All EcoLumina water including that used for drinking will come from collected rainwater stored in tanks underground, then filtered in media and carbon filters and disenfected using UV light.

Full wastewater reuse - All wastewater from the house will be sent first to a conventional septic tank, then to a constructed wetlands where it will be cleaned by plants and other natural processes and then reused in toilets and for irrigation. This will dramaticly reduce water usage and help make EcoLumina independent of municipal water supplies.

Home Automation

We are developing an energy efficient home automation system that: - Turns off lights when it senses that no one is in the room.
- Employs low wattage components that power up when needed.
- Utilizes recycled consumer electronics.
- Minimizes the use of high voltage copper wires.
- Includes an intercom with AVR technology and occupant tracking.

Materials

Tile that was made or mined within 500 miles of Atlanta Green cabinets (FSC wood, no formaldehyde) Countertops - ceasarstone (resistant to stain, scratches, heat, mold), granite remnants, recycled glass

Landscaping

Xeriscaping - using native and drought tolerant plants using pervious surfaces where possible that water can penetrate

Interior finishes

Including:
- LEED Certified Cork Flooring, FSC and reclaimed wood.
- Energy Star appliances.
- Durable exterior products.
- Low VOC paints on walls and cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Reclaimed materials, such as flooring and trim.
- Formaldehyde-free plywood and FSC-certified wood.
- Agri-board cabinets and closet systems.
- Low HAPs (hazardous air pollutants) adhesive.
- Eco-spec paints that have low or no VOCs.
- Reclaimed Wood Flooring.
- Recycled glass tile.
- Schluter high performance tile backer materials.

Interior decorating

Including:
- Reclaimed Furniture and Antiques
- Natural Fiber fabrics for upholstery, window treatments, bedding.
- Fabric made of silk, linen, cotton, and jute.
- Organic Mattresses.
- Wall Treatments made of recycled materials.
- Vegetable dyed rugs.