Architect
Birgitte Hovmøller Christensen (owner)
Builder
Steven Alvarez General Contractor
Structural engineering
Lovelace Engineering
Project size
1,700 sq. ft.
Alternative framing
Perform Wall (R40)
Roof system
Class A TPO membrane (Cool Roof) system
Active solar
Roof mounted Photovoltaic (2.4 kW); Roof mounted Ethylene glycol closed loop system provides domestic hot water and floor radiant heating
Windows/daylighting
Hopes Steel Window Company (New York) with 1” glazing, Solarban 60 Laminated glass (99% UV resistant)
Ventilation/air crculation
Radiant floor heating system; ceiling fans
Energy efficiency
Energy Star appliances; fluorescent lighting
Water conservation
Energy Star high efficiency washer & electric dryer; Hans Grohe bath fixtures; low volume toilet and shower heads
Engineered wood materials
Paralam manufactured beams; Timberstrand manufactured lumber for rough framing
Renewable materials
Rough lumber from managed forest; bamboo fencing Nontoxic materials
99% VOC-free paint products; natural wax finish on cabinets & doors Site impact minimization
Used existing pad from previous home built in 1948 Construction waste management
Paper products, plastic, steel were recycled; scrap lumber sent to mulching site
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This vacation home was conceived as an “eco friendly” project. From the start, the goal was to implement as many green construction ideas, methods and materials wherever possible and to incorporate high efficient energy mechanical systems.
TIt was surprising to find this elegant stone-and-glass structure nestled among the typical wooden ranch-style structures that typify Fallbrook. The building was designed by owner Birgitte Hovmøller Christensen, a Danish architect, and reflects a European design sensibility.
Laundry includes recycled glass tile backsplash |
House includes a unique outdoor shower |
The primary structural element of the building is Perform Wall, also referred to as insulated concrete forms or ICF. Perform Wall panels are made from a mixture of 25% concrete and 75% recycled Styrofoam. The panels provides a light-weight, fire-proof and highly insulating building material (click here for more information on Perform Wall).
For the builder, Steve Alvarez, this was the first time he built with Perform Wall, and it was a revelation. “It changed my whole outlook on building,” he said. “I’ve built stick-frame houses forever. I’ve built really nice places; contemporary; Spanish colonial; high-end homes. I’d like to build just ICF from here out.”
Steve also had some thoughts on the longevity of the Perform Wall technology. “Our stick-frame houses are 75-year houses; after 60 years they start looking pretty rough,” he said. “I think there’s no reason that this couldn’t last for a couple of hundred years. That’s the goal… I want to make houses that are so good that people don’t want to tear them down.”
Other notable features of this home include travertine stone floors throughout. Radiant heating is provided by pipes in the floor, heated by a solar water heater. All power is provided by a roof-mounted solar electric system. The bedroom features a unique outdoor shower.
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