A Sustainable Frame of Mind

(February 2020) Throughout this process, we have learned (and are still learning) A LOT about what makes a sustainable structure. The first step we took toward building sustainably was the decision to build up versus build out. That meant we would avoid disturbing the soil to extend the home’s foundation, but it also meant the central stairwell—the home’s core—would act as both a spillway for natural light from the overhead skylight but also a ventilation tower for more efficient heating and cooling. Building horizontally would make our heating/cooling system work harder to condition the space, which, in turn, requires more energy usage.

It’s like Kramer said in Seinfeld: “Levels, Jerry… levels!”

In February, we were super-excited to see this feature start to get framed as it will also serve to connect the different parts of the house more directly, evolving the home’s compartmentalized look and feel into one that has a more cozy, community look and feel.

Another aspect of building sustainably and efficiently involves what type of lumber one uses to frame the house.

Historically and conventionally, homes are typically built with 2x4 studs spaced 16” on center for structural integrity. The floor of our new master suite above our kitchen/living/dining room is framed with studs spaced 24” on center and constructed using open web floor trusses. The result is easier (and faster) access for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work without the need to cut holes to run ductwork, pipes, and conduit.

The new master suite uses 2x6 studs spaced at 16” on center. The conventional 16” on center spacing was chosen for structural integrity (and to support the weight of the solar panels that will be placed on the southern portion of the roof covering the new master suite) while 2x6 studs were chosen over 2x4 studs because those two extra inches of board depth allow us to fill the space between the studs with more insulation to create an energy-efficient home — we’ll be devoting an entire post to that later!

Additionally, Sebastian and his Excellent Carpentry team installed a cost-effective and resource-efficient engineered wood flooring and sheathing system made by AdvanTech in our new level. We were pleased to learn that this extremely strong and durable material can withstand rain for 500 days without deforming — in case we want to have a rain party inside ;)

While plywood is typically used in conventional sheathing, oriented strand board (OSB) made of recycled content is being used on the outside of our renovated home.

Of course part of being sustainable and functional meant we didn’t need to change every part of the house. So, we kept the original 16” on center framing for the existing floors of the house. And we kept the two original bathrooms on our lower and second floor fully intact, other than some touch-up work we will have contractors complete to ensure they last as long as the other renovated spaces. After all, older parts of the house need to show the newer parts of the house how everything works… that’s very Boolo-like.

Mike and I were so excited to see the back of the house getting framed with the new gabled roof and space for the large sliding glass doors for our two offices, which will let in more natural daylight and give us more direct access to the backyard — the very first steps toward our Happy Boolo garden retreat and garage terrace vision!

A Sustainable Frame of Mind

A Porch That Says Hello

Come on inside…