Projects

Eco Contemporary

Falls Church - Eco Contemporary Tower

Washington D.C. - Green Transitional Kitchen

Eco Transitional

Arlington Forest - Eco Transitional

Eco Green Kitchen

Full Kitchen renovation in a tight space delivers spectacular results

Lyon Village - Arlington - Eco Kitchen

Leeway Heights - Eco Traditional

Old Dominion - Eco Transitional

My Morning Coffee

This project recovers a 1950s well-built home enhancing its beautiful essence and updating it into a high performance home way above the current construction codes.  This project will be soon Earth Craft VA certified by their pilot program for renovations.  A 3rd party inspected the construction before dry wall and conducted the blower door test and ducts test to verify the performance.  Integrative design and construction promoted collaboration between the team members of this project to create the best sustainable product. 

The requirements: Homeowner's desire of a beautiful spot to have her morning coffee and recover the Uruguayan traditional use of rooms she remembers when growing up and visit; and desire to open the house to the South to get the energy performance advantage of nature.  

The solution: The use of traditional architectural fixtures integrates the indoor and outdoor rooms.  The new rooms of the addition keep the traditional design of the windows that integrates the old with the new and opens the rooms to the South trees view.  The “galeria” of arches open the renovation of the old enclosed kitchen, nook, and dining rooms and integrate them with the rear addition.  The “solarios” upstairs by the dining room and downstairs by the master suite provide winter plants refuge and a beautiful company.  The “pergola” with deciduous vines provides summer shade at the brick patio for the family to enjoy the outdoors and feel protected but not enclosed, and connected with nature.  The “tendedero” in the sunny laundry room invites to air-dry clothes and connects with nature while doing daily chores. There is a continuous dialogue between past and present and between indoor and outdoor rooms.

The homeowner’s cultural heritage and careful behavior to lower their carbon foot print inspired to create this design integrating architectural elements from the Spanish vernacular and traditional architecture. 

“Both floors of the relatively small addition are all about the windows. They are an outstanding feature that helped to seamlessly integrate the “new” with the “old”. The kitchen and dining rooms, which were once rather small, dark areas, are now filled with light and have a view into the treetops. The many plants are much happier, having plenty of light behind the south glass. So the windows did allow that morning coffee in the sunlight, but they also have us enjoying the seasons as the sunlight and resulting patterns change from day to day.” - Homeowners

Additional comments:
Energy conservation strategies were applied to the old house including new insulation that was installed at the existing attic and garage ceiling.

Green strategies were applied to the new rear addition including:
- Open the house to the South to work with nature instead of against it
- Tight envelope with a wall assembly including a seal package, foam insulation, continuous rigid insulation to alleviate the thermal break of the wood framing, and energy efficient windows
- ERV or energy recovery ventilator provides mechanical ventilation and humidity control in a hot-cold-humid climate to assure Indoor Air Quality, IAQ, inside the energy efficient envelope
- Windows design allows double cross natural ventilation through rooms with operable windows and arches sequence
- Deciduous trees provide winter sun and summer shade indoors at the South new windows
- Day lighting with windows and solar tubes
- The plants rooms are full of beauty and IAQ




Arlington - Rock Spring - Two stories Addition

Eco-Brick Colonial

This 1940’s house in Arlington Forest VA had two stories and a basement; had two previous room additions: a side office in 1950 and a back sun room in 1995.  The homeowners needed to accommodate a guest suite on the main floor for their in-laws, add a master suite, and to solve the flow of circulation on the first floor.  The selected green goals included minimize the use of energy; maximize the use of natural light, cross ventilation and quality of the indoor air; and recycling/reuse and low maintenance building materials.  

The addition of new rooms changed the scale of the house maintaining the proportions and character of the existing structure and the neighborhood; that was an opportunity to create a central front porch that protects the entry door leading to a welcoming foyer.  The main circulation leads to the new open floor plan where the living, dining, kitchen and screened porch areas are integrated and open to the outdoors. The second floor integrates a new quilting studio and master suite with high ceilings and tree-house feeling.  Appropriate and practical spaces were designed to achieve the client’s functional and aesthetic requirements and the timeless character of the neighborhood.  

The greening of this old house included deconstruction instead of demolition, donating, reusing or recycling old materials.  Spray closed cell foam insulation was chosen because of its sealing properties.  Radiant heat tubing in cement slab was installed at grade level and tubing in quick track panels on the second floor, both covered by a floating bamboo floor.  The new wood burning fireplace draws 100% of its combustion air from outside the house.  The cooling system is 15 SEER and was carefully sized considering the type and R value of the insulation and windows.  An Energy Recovery Ventilator was installed to control fresh air and humidity.  Ceiling fans are in all the main rooms of the house.  The location of the operable windows allows double cross natural ventilation at most rooms.  Operable skylights at the high ceiling of the kitchen allow the hot air that rises to get out with a chimney effect.  Ventilation strategies improve comfort and reduce the need of heating and cooling.  Water efficiency strategies include high efficiency faucets and shower heads with chlorine filters, dual flush toilets that reduce water usage by up to 67%, and energy and water efficient cloth washer and dish washer.

We created a beautiful and functional house with an airy feeling full of natural light and views to the lush front and backyard. Initial investment versus return overtime was analyzed in order to deliver an innovative design that benefits the client and the environment.  We succeed to deliver a healthy house comfortable to live in and economical to operate with a cost effective budget.
      
We consider this project a great accomplishment because we exceeded the homeowner’s expectations.  Also, we addressed the challenge of integrating the old house in very good condition with the new addition becoming a seamless combination.  The house is integrated up to the point that inside you cannot tell where the old house was.

The homeowners love the wooded site with lush front and rear.  The inspiration to create this design was to open the views to the beautiful outdoor landscape surrounding the house.   

Additional Comments and facts: 
Water and Energy savings of 50% / SF
	
“When our designer, Marta Layseca, encouraged us to consider a “green” renovation for our house, we really weren’t sure what to do. Well, several years later, with a beautifully renovated and expanded house, we have learned a lot. We are happy with our green choices (and wish we could have done more) and recommend that others take the plunge.” – Homeowners

Certifications and awards: 
- Green Certification Arlington Green Home Choice Certification 2008, 1st    certified home in Arlington Forest 
- 2011 My Marvin Architect Challenge Regional Winner 
- Metro DC Home Improvement Magazine 
- Environmentally Friendly Expansion WTTG Fox5 / Live Broadcast from this house with the homeowner 
- Arlington Forest Home Tour 2007  Arlington County and ACE 
- Green Living Home and Garden Tour 2008         
-Green It Arlington Series: Main Library Presentations 2008, 2009 and 2011



Arlington Forest - Eco-Brick Colonial

Traditional Spanish Colonial - Front

This house was 1375 square feet with an additional semi-finished basement that has only 7 feet ceiling height; it had three bedrooms, two full baths, and separate family and living rooms.  The Kitchen was small, with very little storage and counter space.   The staircase leading to the basement was next to the kitchen preventing the kitchen to be expanded.  The rooms were all very small, one of the bathrooms was in the basement, and one of the bedrooms opened onto the living room. The house lacked linen and coat closets.  The flat roof had a history of leaks and the basement got wet after big rains.  The house felt cold in winter.   As a consequence, Naina and Josh decided to do a full-scale green renovation and a second floor addition that preserved the beautiful Spanish style of their house. 

The Solution
In order to address the wet Basement, a drainage plan was developed and a soil report indicated that the existing rear foundation needed to be reinforced.  The existing walls had interior plaster and exterior cement stucco that homeowners wanted to keep.  Some of the interior plaster was opened to verify the existing wooden wall structure, and unfortunately mold was found.  Instead of mold remediation, the decision was made to remove the plaster and stucco.  Once the walls were opened, dry rot was found in the wood structure and the damage was repaired.  Opening the studs allowed the installation of spray foam insulation on the existing walls and the proper installation of new windows.   

EnviroHomeDesign’s solution applied Integrative Design to the whole house addressing the homeowner needs and requirements within their budget.  The key elements of this comprehensive plan are functionality, green strategies and beauty.  

Functionality
The new Staircase is located at the center of the house and opens to a more spacious Kitchen, Dining and Family Room, keeping the original Living room as it was.  Also, the staircase connects the house from the Basement to the Second Floor.  An operable skylight at the staircase ceiling allows natural ventilation by using the chimney effect.  The new Second Floor includes a Master Suite and two Bedrooms with plenty of closet space, a complete Bathroom and Laundry.  The house layout is very compact and with no wasted space.  The full scale renovation of 1373sf of the First Floor and the addition of 1508sf on the Second Floor brings the house to a total of 2681sf with an unfinished Basement.

Green strategies:

Energy Efficient Building Envelope and Systems
Air sealing measures were taken and Biobase Spray open cell foam insulation was applied to the envelope.  DOW SIS (Structural Insulated Sheathing) was used, which adds R-5 to exterior walls reducing heating load and thermal bridging.  Insulated headers, corners, T-walls, band joists, and energy heel trusses were used.  Highly efficient fiberglass Integrity windows by Marvin were installed.  The design and location of operable windows allows natural cross ventilation in most rooms and natural day light is enhanced with Sola Tubes.   The new mechanical system includes zoned control radiant heat, Heat Recovery Ventilator, 17 SEER dual speed AC, 95% efficient boiler, and programmable thermostats.  All attics and crawl spaces are conditioned where HVAC and duct work was placed.   All Energy Efficient Appliances are Energy Star rated and water efficient.   Energy efficient Lighting with Indoor fluorescent fixtures and compact fluorescent recessed light fixtures are used throughout the house.  Ceiling fans were installed in most rooms to increase comfort.   High efficient lighting with Horizontal cut off was used for exterior illumination. 

Resource efficient Design, Building Materials and Durability
Reused hardwood floors were used.  Recycled content tile, insulation, outdoor decking and porches were installed.  Advanced manufactured products such as engineered floor framing, roof framing, OSB (oriented strand board) roof decking, sheathing, exterior trim, and beams and headers were installed.  The framing design allows insulation in all cavities.  Soapstone Kitchen countertops, recycled counter at vanities for all baths. For Roofing we used Distinction Tile Composite Roof by Trimline as a non polluting roof material for rainwater collection.  Cement stucco with rain screen was installed for the exterior finish.  Covered entry ways with front and rear porches were designed for durability.	

A Waste Management Plan to recycle or separate recyclable materials was followed to recycle cardboard, metal, drywall and plastics.   Job site framing plan with studs, joists, and roof cut list with a central cut area was used to further reduce waste.

Water efficiency strategies include high efficiency toilets and a shower drain heat recovery device was installed.  In addition there is a gray water recovery system used in the master bathroom to reuse water from the sink.

Indoor Air Quality
The subfloor, all cabinets, shelves, and countertops materials are urea-formaldehyde free.  Water based sealants were used throughout the house.  Low VOC paints, stains, and finishes on wood floors, sealant and adhesives were also used.

Beautiful Design
The main design goal was to address a seamless house unifying the existing and the new, also enhancing the Spanish Style in both interior and exterior.  The interior was enhanced mainly with the colorful tiles and iron railing at the staircase, also keeping the existing arches at the Living room.    The exterior was enhanced with the pitched tile-like roof that solves the problems of the water problems caused by the flat roof and accentuate the Spanish character.  The recessed partial Second story balances the exterior shape, and provides South roof exposure for future solar systems.  

This design solution develops the full potential for energy savings and that enhances the value of the property.  The application of energy conservation strategies will decrease the operational cost.  The analysis of energy and water bills one year prior and one year after renovation will be compared to verify the savings.

The project has the local Green Home Choice Program Certification from Arlington County, Energy Star Certification, NAHB Green Building and LEED Homes Certifications. The Energy Star Program requires the ducts leakage test and the building envelope air leakage test using the blower door and providing the quality control.




Arlington - Lyon Village - Traditional Spanish Colonial

White Traditional Kitchen

The main problems of this 1950's kitchen were small counter space and storage, and a bulky refrigerator blocking the circulation.  The owners prefer glass doors to recreate the old built-ins and warm colors for a cozy atmosphere.  The challenge was to solve these problems and address the homeowner’s preferences while reconfiguring the same space and enhancing the old style. 

The design goals included beauty, function, Indoor Air Quality, and effective use of resources; minimizing waste, using durable and low maintenance materials, and low water and energy bills.  The old kitchen was deconstructed and materials were recycled.  The design solution kept the gas and plumbing, added foam insulation for comfort, and removed old walls creating a central island.  A new structural beam was necessary and ended as a soffit.  The new French door to the south opens the view to the deck allowing the winter sun, and it’s shaded in summer with deciduous trees.  Features include under the counter microwave, folding step, trash-recycle, and the nook table at the end of the island.  All finishes are no VOC's, recycled materials counters, water efficient faucet, and Energy Star light fixtures, appliances and door.
    
The result is a compact design with open concept and easy flow of circulation that make the rooms feel larger.  The solution enhances the old style with a seamless integration.  The homeowner said “We really love the kitchen and dining room – more every day. Everyone who stops by is amazed at the extra space acquired from your reconfiguration.”  



Arlington - Sycamore St - White traditional kitchen

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