Jul 18 2005
CertainTeed Corporation has teamed up with Sunset Publishing Corporation, the publisher of Sunset Magazine, on the construction of a unique, modern bungalow at Ladera Ranch, in the eco-conscious community of Convent Hills in Orange County, CA.
"The home is garden-oriented and craftsman-styled and is a testament to California's innovations in architecture and technology," explains Sarah Gaffney, home program manager for Sunset Magazine. "It is clearly inspired by the landmark homes of the Arts & Crafts movement - such as Pasadena's Gamble house of 1908 - this thoroughly modern house will generate enough electricity to be self-supporting if necessary."
Construction on the home began in January. It will feature a bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, craft room, office, kitchen, morning room, dining room, great room, billiard room, porch, garage and workshop on the first floor. The second floor consists of a master bedroom, his and hers bathrooms, a deck, two other bedrooms and bathrooms, another deck, a library, gallery and open room.
The basement will house a media room. The most unique features, however, are eco-conscious.
The home's environmentally responsible features include appliances that meet California's Energy Star requirements, low voltage lighting, native landscaping that promotes water conservation, colored and textured driveway pavers that reduce reflective heat, and eco-friendly building materials such as recycled glass decorative tile used throughout the bathrooms. Also environmentally responsible is the fiberglass insulation being used which is composed of 35 percent recycled glass and supplied by CertainTeed.
Called OPTIMA(R), the white insulation is blown dry into a wall cavity behind OPTIMA(R) fabric. Every nook and cranny in the wall cavity is filled providing an extremely energy-efficient dwelling.
"We are thrilled to be involved in such a unique environmentally, architecturally and technology- forward project," explains Tom Newton, manager of advertising and promotions for CertainTeed's Insulation Group. "We strive to offer eco-conscious products our customers are looking for so this project is a perfect fit for us."
The 2005 Southern California Idea House is scheduled to open next month. Public tours will take place over the summer and the home will be featured in the October 2005 issue of Sunset Magazine.
Virtual tours of the Idea House will be available as well at http://www.sunset.com.