Beautiful Green Home

 The value is in living well.  We initially spent more in some areas to establish something healthy and sustainable, but this was our dream, and it has come true! Now June and her family are educating others about living a healtier more sustainable lifestyle.  click here to read more... 

The Louks house was a collaboration with nature that has June's family living healthy and comfortable, with little exposure to toxic materials.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Passive solar design maximizes the sun’s energy through south facing windows, with shade created by eaves
• A Clerestory window opens to let hot air escape in warmer weather, creates natural lighting, and has great ventilation flow - there was no need to install air conditioning in this home
• A slate roof adds additional thermal mass - absorbs sun’s heat during the day, releasing it slowly through the night
• Radiant floors throughout house and guest house are heated by solar water panels - Less dust, less noise, more effective, enjoyable heat source
• All hot water heated by solar panels
• Engineered wood floors reduce the amount of trees cut and used for floors - also puts feet closer to the radiant heat
• Reclaimed brick in the fireplaces and for the stone floors in mud room and master patio
• All interior doors and woodwork are formaldehyde free, and use no-voc glues (no mdf)
• Interior paints and stain finishes are VOC free - even the wood floor, which tends to be the most toxic portion of any home

• Pool cover minimizes heat and water loss - dark blue cover attracts heat
• 137 trees planted on site offsets carbon footprint
• Rain water harvesting system uses a hand held hose to water orchard
• A 3 bin composting system is used for garden clippings, leaves, and kitchen scraps - significantly reduces waste consumption and provides fertile soil to maintain the garden
• Entire property planted with drought tolerant (often California natives) or edible, plants (that was the motto for the “English Country” styled vegetation) - Plants and trees provide food source, natural cooling system, attract wildlife, and beneficial insects
• Insectuary planted on lowest 100 feet and neighboring property hedge adds nitrogen to soil
• Permeable (vs. impermeable) surfaces used wherever possible to minimize run-off - storm water management
• Complete garden, orchard, and other edible plants throughout property and neighboring property: eating locally, seasonally and organic! - Lifestyle makes a big difference
• Bat house - attracts bats that eat up to 2400 mosquitoes and undesirable insects each night

If you’d like to enjoy this same level of comfort and sustainability...

Click here, and I’ll get in touch with you. --Janet