E l i a / J o n e s H o u s e
dining room
entry porch |
column detail |
north elevation
deck
living room
kitchen
stair detail
In this project we transformed a run-down, energy-guzzling, 1970s ranch house into a showcase of timeless, ecological design. Although sited in a picture-perfect location overlooking grassy hills and oak forests at the edge of the Las Trampas wilderness in Moraga, the house had everything wrong from an ecological viewpoint: poor insulation, large, fixed, single-pane windows, minimal thermal mass, electric heat, deteriorating plywood siding and deck, old nylon shag carpet, cracking vinyl flooring, and a large unfinished basement. The building interior was extensively remodeled to provide greater connection to the site, and to improve circulation and functionality of spaces, all while preserving the original footprint. The remodel included replacing everything from the studs up with durable, resource-efficient materials, adding a rooftop rainwater-collection system, installing the plumbing for an eventual grey water system, adding photovoltaic panels and a solar hot water system. The unfinished basement was converted into a home office and a new entry porch was added to improve ventilation, connection to site, and circulation. Because of their direct involvement as general contractor, the owners had the opportunity to make the remodeling process as "green" as possible. And they did. After two oak trees fell on the property during the design phase, the owners milled the trees on site, dried them in their garage for two years, and then incorporated the material extensively into the house. In fact, almost all of the finish wood in the project, including fencing, siding, cabinetry, and flooring is salvaged, totaling over 6000 board feet of wood. The remodel has greatly improved comfort and aesthetics and aided in living a greener lifestyle. A better laid-out kitchen, with more counters and more convenient storage encourages more cooking, provides for fewer larger shopping trips and allows for canning or dehydrating and storing food grown on the property. Space designed specifically for composting and recycling increases their use. Addition of a home office space downstairs allows one partner to work from home, reducing car travel. The light, proportions, and arrangement of spaces encourages dwelling. Many of the furnishing are second-hand. The project is a great example of what can be done with green remodeling: exceptional improvement in energy efficiency and an exemplary process of remodeling. In addition, the project significantly extended the life of this house and transformed it into an elegant showcase for "green" rural living.
Recognition for Elia Jones House: Natural Home, “Ranch
House Revamp: Green the Suburban-Style Home,” May/June, 2007
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