WHAT MAKES VILLA TERRA GREEN? 1. Rammed Earth and PISE Walls Beyond it’s beautiful qualities and “Old World” look, the rammed earth and PISE walls (pneumatically impacted stabilized earth) drastically reduce the use of trees for the initial wall framing lumber. And because this “Earth Structure” will far outlast any wood frame building, trees are again saved many times over, creating the foundation for the true model of sustainability. We have created a house that will essentially last forever, instead of having to be rebuilt every 50 to 75 years. The 18” thick PISE walls and concrete floors also provide thermal mass, an integral part of the passive solar design of the house. These features help keep the house naturally cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter, greatly reducing the heating and cooling loads and energy use. 2. High Content Fly Ash Concrete Foundation Use of high content (25%) fly ash (industrial waste byproduct) in place of Portland Cement results in reduction of energy consumption and green house gas emissions associated with Portland cement production (second only to petroleum in terms of carbon dioxide emissions). 3. Reclaimed Plumbing Fixtures All lavatory sinks and tubs were bought from salvage yards (tub is reportedly from the Jack Benny house in Hollywood). Reclaimed Carrara marble fountain has been made into the powder room sink. 4. Natural Daylighting Use of numerous skylights and high transom windows to reduce electrical lighting loads during the day. Natural daylighting also has documented benefits on mood, productivity, and enjoyment of the space. 5. Photo Voltaic Solar Panels Use of PV solar electric generation system to reduce electrical grid consumption, and bi-directional meter sends power back to the grid when it is needed most, on hot summer afternoons. 6. Hydronic Radiant Heat Floor Use of hydronic radiant floor heating system saves energy, is more efficient for residential heating, is more comfortable for inhabitants, and promotes superior indoor air quality over forced air systems. 7. Natural/Passive Ventilation Use of operable skylights operable high windows and ceiling fans, creates a natural convection current, thereby eliminating the need for an air conditioning system. 8. Passive Solar Design Use of extensive east and south facing glass, proper overhangs, high interior mass, deciduous grape vines on appropriately placed trellises, to passively heat the home in winter, and protect the house from unnecessary heat gain in summer. 9. Reclaimed Lumber - Douglas fir ceiling beams reclaimed from the Town & Country Village Shopping Center (now Santana Row) in San Jose. - Douglas fir ceiling decking reclaimed from the 118 year old Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose. TJI joists reclaimed from the “Millenium Man” movie set in Alameda used for floor and roof framing. Redwood ceiling beams reclaimed from a Los Altos cabana/trellis. 10. Extensive Use of Other Reclaimed Materials Two antique reclaimed European stone fireplace mantles grace the family room and master bedroom fireplaces. Interior doors with glass knobs reclaimed from the original house located at the property. Two large terraces utilize used brick salvaged from at least 15 different locations. Courtyard fountain is tiled using recycled and restored ceramic tiles from a 1928 California Colonial house in Los Altos. Cabinet lumber from original house used for closet shelving. Plywood from crates that the windows and doors were delivered in were used to create garage shear walls. Foundation forms were salvaged and rip cut for use as interior stud walls. Garage doors were salvaged from a remodel project in Mountain View. 11. Ground Source Heat Pump - Ground source heat pump uses geothermal energy to heat the house and domestic water, greatly reducing natural gas and fossil fuel consumption. 12. Low VOC Paint Clay Plaster Wall Finishes VOC-free interior paint and stain finishes promotes healthy indoor air quality, reduces exacerbation of respiratory ailments such as asthma and lung cancer. Extensive use of American Clay Plaster integral color wall finish eliminates need for painted walls. 13. High Efficiency Windows Use of energy efficient dual pane thermal glazing with “Low e” coating at all doors and windows reduces heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, cutting energy use. 14. Engineered Structural Lumber Extensive use of engineered lumber for structural framing and sheathing reduces cutting of old growth forests, and encourages use of “crop lumber”. 15. FSC Certified Mill Work Extensive use of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified sustainable lumber products for cabinetry, hardwood flooring, trim, etc. further protects the environment through third party monitoring and certification of the entire supply chain. 16. Cotton Insulation Formaldehyde-free cotton insulation made from recycled blue jeans used extensively for attic insulation. photography by Frank Paul Perez

Modern large master bathroom. Very airy and light. Pure white Caesarstone quartz counter, hansgrohe metris faucet, glass mosaic tile (Daltile - City lights), taupe 12 x 24 porcelain floor (tierra Sol, English bay collection), bamboo cabinet, Georges Kovacs wall sconces, wall mirror Photo credit: Jonathan Solomon - http://www.solomonimages.com/

Photographer: Tom Crane Made of 300, 10-foot steel blades set upright 8 inches apart, the award winning Cor-Ten Cattails Sculptural fence was designed for a home in Berwyn, Pennsylvania as a yard sculpture that also keeps deer out. Made of COR-TEN, a steel alloy that eliminates the need for painting and maintains a rich, dark rust color without corroding, the fence stanchions were cut with a plasma cutter from sheets of the alloy. Each blade stands 8 feet above grade, set in concrete 3 feet below, weighs 80-90 pounds and is 5/8 inch thick. The profile of the blades is an irregular trapezoid with no horizontal connections or supports. Only the gate has two horizontal bars, and each leaf weighs 1200 pounds.

Just one of the many beautiful features of the Aurea, Plan 2453. The shelves are framed as part of the tub deck, and finished in the same gorgeous tile as the the tub deck and floor. Besides providing the ideal space for towels, they create a wonderful break between the tub and walk-in shower. Photo by Bob Greenspan

John Cole Photography
Inspiration for a modern shed remodel in DC Metro

Tiltshift Studio
Home design - modern home design idea in Austin

Huge trendy master white tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub and gray walls

Eden Prairie MN kitchen featured in BATC Parade of Homes spring 2015 Remodelers Showcase tour.
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances and a peninsula

This back yard was a blank slate behind a 2-year-old North Scottsdale home. The new site walls, angular pool, vertical plants create structure. The shade sail with battered posts creates much-needed shade and the steel fire pit is a fun gathering spot at night.

Elliott Johnson Photographer
Cottage backyard pool photo in San Luis Obispo

Casey Dunn
Inspiration for a southwestern master gray floor bathroom remodel in Other with an undermount tub

Example of a trendy eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with flat-panel cabinets

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Atlanta with paneled appliances, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets and granite countertops

Neil Landino. Design Credit: Stephen Stimson Associates
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary partial sun backyard concrete paver formal garden in New York.

View of garden courtyard of main unit with french doors connecting interior and exterior spaces. Retractable awnings provide shade in the summer but pull back to maximize daylight during the long, dark Seattle winter. photo: Fred Kihara

Grounded - Modern Landscape Architecture
Design ideas for a modern water fountain landscape in San Diego.

This remodel of a mid century modern home was focused on improving the flow and functionality of the kitchen while respecting the existing design style. We removed the wall separating the living area from the kitchen and installed recycled chalkboard countertops on some great new cabinets by Kerf design. New aluminum windows added much needed cross ventilation while complementing the existing architecture. New appliances, lighting and flooring rounded out the remodel. Photos by Kerf

Photos: Anthony Dimaano
Example of a mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver patio design in San Francisco

Decomposed Granite Pathway
This is an example of a mid-sized rustic shade backyard landscaping in Los Angeles with a pergola.