High-Performance Sustainable Building Experts
High Performance Practices = Lasting Estates
The practice of high-performance sustainable building expands the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort to include a broader spectrum of criteria including its impact on the natural environment and human health. There are a vast array of tools, technologies & methods used to support the goals of high-performance building. Some of them are:
GENERAL METHODS
- Custom Site Design
- Use of Infill Lots
- Minimal Site Disturbance
- Construction Debris Recyling
- Deconstruction & Reuse or Recycling
HEATING AND COOLING
- Heat Pumps
- In-Floor Radiant Heat
- Geothermal
- Masonry Stoves
- Passive & Active Solar Designs
- Wind
- Hydro
AIR QUALITY
- Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)
- Whole House Air Filters
- Low VOC materials
- Hard surface flooring
BUILDING MATERIALS
- Composite Exterior Trim
- Composite Decking
- Fibercement Siding
- Forest Stewardship (FSC) Certified wood materials
- Reclaimed materials
- Recycled materials
- Recyclable materials
- Zena Forest Products
FRAMING
- Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
- Advanced Stick Framing
- Structural Insulated Panels (SIP)
- Cobb
- Rammed Earth
- Straw Bale
- Ferrocement
- Timber Framing
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
- Tight Buildings
- Polar Blanket Insulation
- Spray Foam Insulation
- Sealed Ducts
- Positive Pressurization
- Energy Star appliances
- Zonal Heating
- Programmable Thermostats
- Compact Fluorescent Lights
- LED Lights
- Automatic Closet & Pantry Switching
- High-Efficiency Water Heating Systems
- Maximizing natural lighting
- Solar electric and hot water systems
WATER CONSERVATION
- Conserving Toilets & Appliances
- Graywater systems
- Rainwater catchment systems
- Bioswales
- Permeable pavement and other technologies that allow water infiltration
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Pursing Architectural Excellence in Sustainable Building
We specialize in architecturally designed projects and place great value in understanding and implementing the latest business systems and building science.
Our extensive history with the advanced building practices listed above includes projects using Ferrocement, steel framing, Cobb, ICF construction and advanced wood framing techniques. We also have experience with the construction of bioswales, rainwater catchment, gray water reclamation and irrigation systems.
Certified by both Energy Star and Earth Advantage, we continue to advance the field of sustainable building with our high-performance structures. Nineteen of our projects have been LEED, Earth Advantage and/or Energy Star Certified in the last five years. Our comprehensive knowledge of livability and building technologies, both sustainable and traditional, adds value to all of our projects.
“On-time and on-budget, with a caring, skilled and professional approach. Our experience was truly stress-free and exceeded all of our best expectations.”
Michelle B.
Amity, Oregon