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RECENT ADDITIONS
Metal with Meaning
While strolling through the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC, you may notice an eye-catching metal sculpture here and there. Chances are that the piece of art that you saw was created by Jim Gallucci, a sculptor from Greensboro, NC. Not only is his artwork featured locally, it can also be seen across the state of North Carolina, the United States, and beyond!

About Town: Rising Star
Ashley Wilson Shines as a Top REALTOR® under 30 in the Country. Over 400 REALTORS® from around the country under the age of 30 sent in their application this past January to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to acclaim the title as one of the Top 30 REALTORS® under the age of 30. Among those applications one rising star from Raleigh, NC stood out among others: Ashley Wilson from Coldwell Banker Howard Perry & Walston Builder Services.

Featured Kitchens
New Homes and Ideas searched high and low to bring you four beautiful kitchens. These designer kitchens have up-to-date amenities, timesless designs, and a real flair of character. From Modern to Contemporary, Tuscan to Eclectic, our Featured Kitchens article will give you ideas on how you can change your kitchen to reflect your own style.

Fall Seeding For Oh-So-Lovely Lawns All Year Long!
Ever wondered how those beautifully green, gorgeously landscaped lawns in and around the Triangle came to be? According to Kurt Nitschke of Pope Landscaping & Irrigation Company and longtime North Raleigh lawn and landscape professional Joe Newsome, the basics for picturesque yards are typically executed in the fall with year-round attention and maintenance, resulting in the oohs and aahs of neighbors and passersby.

New Act Helps First-Time Homebuyers in the Triangle
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was signed by President Bush on July 30, 2008. Although the primary basis of the Act is to improve confidence and stability in markets by providing mortgage relief (by keeping American families in their homes), other areas of the Act include many positive aspects for first-time homebuyers.

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2007 Annual Green Home Tour


By New Homes and Ideas

Each year the Green Building Council of the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange and Chatham Counties hosts a tour of homes that have earned the designation of "green" or are in the process of becoming certified green according to guidelines adopted by the Green Building Initiative of the HBA DOC. The tour is usually held in May and is a self-guided tour that takes place over an entire weekend. If you would like more information about next years tour, please contact the HBADOC at 919-493-8899. The following homes were on the tour this past May and the information included shows some of the features that have or will earn them the GBI certification. Please contact the builders to find out more about these and other green homes in the Triangle.
Carolina Country Builders Carolina Country Builders 919.542.5361
www.greenhomedesignbuild.com
  • Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Passive solar design
  • Solar hot water
  • Decorative concrete floor
  • Spider insulation system
  • Low-VOC paints
  • Air-tight wood fireplace
  • Energy Star® windows and appliances
  • Radiant barrier roof sheathing
  • Products that promote healthy indoor air quality
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Chatham Habitat for Humanity 919.542.0794
www.chathamhabitat.org
  • Award-winning, affordable sustainable design house
  • Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Passive solar orientation with modified overhangs
  • Numerous south-facing Low-E windows
  • Interior thermal mass wall
  • SystemVision energy efficiency specifications by Advanced Energy
  • Stained concrete floor
  • Low-VOC paint
  • Universal design
  • Water conservation features
  • Hardi-plank siding and rain screen on exterior walls
  • Conservation of building materials through advanced framing techniques
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Anchorage Building Corporation919.928.2664
www.anchoragebuildingcorp.com
  • Energy Star® qualified/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Passive solar orientation with 2´ overhangs; roughed-in for active solar
  • Radiant floor heat in basement and Rinnai tankless water heater o No-VOC Sherman Williams Harmony paint
  • Icynene spray foam insulation
  • Energy Star® rated, low-E windows by Pella
  • Fresh air intake; 14 SEER dual-zone heat pump; high MERV filter
  • Tile, hardwood, and stained concrete floors
  • Superior Walls concrete foundation in walk-out basement
  • Returns or transfer ducts in all bedrooms for maximum comfort/efficiency
  • High-performance, ultra-quiet bath fans on timers
  • 2´ x 6´ framing; open web floor trusses; panelized framing
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Atlantic Design/Build, LTD. 919.545.2030
www.atlanticDBL.com
  • Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Passive solar orientation and design; 15' overhangs and doors protected by porches
  • Sealed crawlspace and attic
  • Rainwater harvesting; drought-resistant landscaping; permeable paving where practical
  • Energy Star® appliances where possible; fluorescent and LED lighting
  • Low VOC paints and central vacuums
  • Lower-flow plumbing fixtures
  • High SEER mechanical with programmable T-stats and electronic air filters
  • Engineered framing system
  • Low-E aluminum-clad casement windows
  • Exterior treated w/mildewcide; housewrap & drainage plane membrane behind all masonry
  • Icynene foam insulation
Chatham Habitat for Humanity MCF Builders of Chatham County, LLC 919.942.9214
www.silverwood-inc.com
  • Energy Star® Certified/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Sealed crawl space and sealed cold attic
  • High-efficiency insulated Low-E windows
  • Spray Foam insulation package
  • Insulated fiberglass entry doors
  • Tempered passive solar design
  • Solar hot water system
  • 2 kWh Photovoltaic array with battery back up
  • Engineered HVAC system with fresh air intake
  • Compact fluorescent lighting
  • Centralized bath exhausts with timers
  • Energy Star® appliances
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Landmark Renovation and Building Co., Inc. 919.942.9214
www.landmarksolar.com
  • Energy Star® certified/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Sealed crawl space
  • High-efficiency insulated Low-E Windows
  • 2´ x 6´ walls with extra insulation
  • Radiant barrier sheathing in attic
  • Insulated fiberglass entry doors
  • Passive solar design and solar hot water
  • 2 kWh Photovoltaic array with battery back up
  • Engineered HVAC system; fresh air intake; whole house fan
  • Compact fluorescent lighting
  • Centralized bath exhausts
  • Energy Star® appliances
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Commonwealth Construction & Design, Inc. 919.969.9373
www.heartlandgrove.com
  • Energy Star® certified/Green Building Initiative Certification in progress
  • Sealed crawl space
  • High-efficiency HVAC system with fresh air intake
  • Advanced air sealing and insulation package
  • Energy Star® appliances
  • MERV 11 air filters
  • Zoned irrigation with weather-based controls
  • Reduced quantity of building materials and waste
  • Tightly sealed doors to insure minimal potential sources of pollutants
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Commonwealth Construction & Design, Inc. 919.969.9373
www.heartlandgrove.com
  • Energy Star® certified for 5% discount on Progress Energy bill
  • Verified by the HBADOC's Green Building Initiative program
  • Sealed crawl space
  • MERV 11 air filters
  • Advanced air sealing, HVAC and insulation package certified by 3rd party
  • Built-in recycling center in garage
  • Zoned irrigation with weather-based controls
  • Home sited to optimize solar resources
  • Tightly sealed doors to insure minimal potential sources of pollutants
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Burgess Construction Company 919.969.9373
www.chetburgesshomes.com
  • Energy Star® Certification/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Truss Joist Pre-engineered floor system
  • Sealed and conditioned crawl space
  • HVAC duct work efficient and tested
  • On-site foundation, gutter, and storm water collection system
  • Conservative shared driveway and impervious parking area
  • Natural vegetation conserved for septic and all utility line installation
  • Fully stocked fish pond created for water collection and recreation
  • Extensive tree and shrub plantings for shading and aesthetics
  • Wrap-around front porch with Trex decking
  • SEER 13 American Standard brand HVAC system equipment
  • Innovative home location and orientation with rear southern exposure
Chatham Habitat for Humanity New Day Builders 919.619.6119
www.newdaybuilders.com
  • Energy Star® qualified/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Home sited to optimize tree shade in summer and sunlight in winter
  • Full unfinished basement, sealed using Superior Walls concrete wall system
  • Structured wiring and home automation system
  • Energy Star® rated windows by Andersen
  • Tightly sealed door and continuous air barrier between garage and living area
  • Air sealing package to reduce air infiltration on hot summer or cold winter days
  • Gas furnace heating efficiency exceeds 90%
  • All HVAC items, including fresh-air intake, sealed with mastic to reduce leakage
  • Kitchen cook top is vented to the outside
  • Wood products are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative & Canadian Standards Assoc.
  • Wildlife habitat maintained on lot
Chatham Habitat for Humanity New Vista Development, Inc. 919.932.5900
www.newvistahome.com
  • Reuse and renovation of an existing home instead of clearing new land and forest
  • Reuse of demolished and used materials in home to help conserve resources
  • Industrial spray-foam sealed crawlspace and attics to reduce air infiltration
  • Heating/cooling equipment & ductwork installed in insulated/conditioned crawlspace & attics
  • High-efficiency gas water heater
  • Energy-efficient passive solar design
  • Engineer-designed heating/cooling system properly installed for reduced energy consumption
  • Energy Star® approved windows, appliances, and bath exhaust fans
  • First floor walls and doors designed for improved wheelchair access and mobility
  • Low VOC paints and no carpets for superior indoor air quality
  • Rain water collection and release rate reduction for improved local creek ecosystem health
  • Reduced water consumption thru new superior low-flow faucets
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Alfermann Construction, LLC 919.321.2125
www.alfermann.com
  • PV (photovoltaic panels) will produce electricity for the NC Green Power program
  • Energy Star® rated home/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Energy Star® appliances and lights
  • Passive and active solar features, with PV panels for green power & solar collectors for hot water
  • Exterior walls made from Agriboard (8" thick wheatstraw panels) with natural hydraulic lime stucco
  • Compressed wheat doors; Purebond plywood cabinets; bamboo stair treads and countertops
  • Low- or no-VOC paints, caulks, and adhesives
  • No termite spray used; bait system used instead.
  • Spray foam insulation on building envelope; blown cellulose recycled news print insulation between floors
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout house
  • Techshield radiant barrier roof sheathing and reflective color metal roofing to prevent heat gain.
  • Extensive tree protection and erosion control; landscaping features rainwater collection and draught-resistant plants plus jobsite waste was separated on site and recycled wherever possible.
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Cimarron Homes 919.680.2800
www.cimarronhomes.com
  • Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • HVAC duct blaster test
  • Advanced framing detail
  • Properly installed insulation
  • Thermaply and insulation installed behind tubs and fireplace
  • 14.5 R-Value attic shield energy blanket
  • Dual flush toilet o Energy Star® HK Low-E windows
  • Thermal ceiling package
  • Land preserve and walking trails
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Cimarron Homes 919.680.3665
www.cimarronhomes.com
  • Energy Star® qualified/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Extremely efficient floor plan
  • Energy Star® HK Low-E windows
  • Thermal ceiling package
  • Tightly-sealed HVAC ducts for extremely low leakage
  • 14.5 R-value attic shield energy blanket
  • Delta water efficient showerhead using H20 kinetic technology™
  • Aprilaire high efficiency air cleaners
  • Green labeled carpet from the Carpet and Rug Institute for improved air quality
  • GE Clean Steel Energy Star® refrigerator and dishwasher
  • Wildlife habitat and walking trails
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Cimarron Homes 919.620.9970
www.cimarronhomes.com
  • Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Advanced framing techniques
  • The latest in sealed crawl space technology by Biltbydesign
  • Energy Star® M&W vinyl clad Low-E windows
  • Hardiplank fiber cement siding
  • Miratec exterior trim
  • PVC brickmold
  • Lennox 4540 high efficiency direct vent fireplace
  • Low VOC builder's masterpiece paint
  • Bryant 90% Efficient Gas Furnace on first floor
  • Bryant Heat Pump on 2nd floor
  • Delta Water efficient Showerhead using H20 kinetic technology
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Vanguard Homes 919.608.9939
www.vanguardhomesNC.com
  • Energy Star® qualified/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Energy Star® appliances
  • Low-E windows
  • Advanced framing techniques
  • Improved insulation with fresh air ventilation
  • Reduced construction waste
  • Water saving technology
  • Low-maintenance exterior and landscaping
  • Hardwood and tile floors
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Chandler Design-Build 919.812.7478
www.chandlerdesignbuild.com
  • NAHB national green building awards finalist.
  • Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Energy Star® certified to use less than 38% of the energy of a code standard house.
  • Solar water heaters linked to radiant-floor heating by Southern Energy Management
  • Aging-in-place design; wheelchair and walker friendly.
  • Engineered indoor air quality system
  • Rain garden landscape design enables onsite stormwater retention.
  • Whole house On-Q structured wiring system for ethernet, video, sound and phone.
  • Spray foam insulation by Allied Spray Foam.
  • More photos and detailed information at www.ChandlerDesignBuild.com
Chatham Habitat for Humanity M Squared Builders & Designers, Inc. 919.620.8535
www.msquaredbuilders.com
  • Fresh air ventilation/filtration
  • SEER 14 + Bryant Perfect Heat Perfect Humidity heat pump
  • Sealed crawl space
  • Energy-efficient bath fans
  • Low-E windows and insulated doors
  • Blown-in blanket insulation
  • Upgraded, less-toxic cabinets
  • Solid surface countertops
  • Locally milled and produced pine floors
  • No-VOC paints
  • Termite bait system
Chatham Habitat for Humanity Vanguard Homes 910.687.4893
www.vanguardhomesNC.com
  • Energy Star® qualified/Green Building Initiative verification in process
  • Improved insulation
  • Low-E windows
  • Performance tested HVAC system
  • Reduced construction waste
  • Low-maintenance landscaping