Sustainable Design
Consumer interest in "going green" is at an all time high. According to the National Association of Home Builders, between 40% and 50% of the homes built in 2010 are expected to be green. Incorporating green building products and practices in homebuilding results in quality homes and financial savings for the buyer. Even the smallest effort makes a difference.
Cottage Home has a long history of environmental stewardship, as well as green home design and building processes. We are committed to maintaining the natural beauty of West Michigan, while affording families the opportunity to live in harmony with the lakeshore. You'll find our green philosophy in our communities, our home designs and our building process.
For a video presentation of our sustainable design, view Living In Harmony with the Lakeshore here.
Our Communities
We conduct extensive engineering and environmental studies, especially near dune and wildlife conservation areas, and work closely with local government, regulatory agencies and conservation groups.
When land is deemed appropriate for a Cottage Home development, careful consideration is then given to site clustering, devoting a high percentage of the land to natural areas. Restrictive covenants assure such enhancements as natural vegetation, including increased plantings of native dune grasses, tree preservation, nature trails and common areas wherever possible... places to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Our Homes
There is more to Cottage Home style than meets the eye. Beneath the natural siding, you'll find the most efficient home available. From Low-E windows to high-R insulation techniques to geo-thermal heating and cooling systems, our smart homes give homeowners added control over energy consumption during occupancy and vacancy.
We also advise our clients on Energy Star appliances, efficient lighting, plumbing and other green technologies that will ensure the lowest possible energy consumption.
Many of our homes are LEED® certified, which verifies that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures.
Our Building Process
While building a green home, we recycle as much as possible - the scrap building materials such as lumber, wallboard, concrete and packaging. We use environmentally safe material in our process, including bio-friendly concrete release agents, adhesives, sealants, solvents and other compounds. Locally harvested materials are used wherever possible.
Cottage Home is an active member of Green Built Michigan, a statewide green building certification, professional development and education organization. For more information on our green homes and practices, please contact us.
Integrated Project Planning
· Green home building strategy
· Specifications focused on energy conservation
· Centralized scheduling
· Pre-planned material usage, focusing on local and FSC certified suppliers
Site Selection & Management
· Adaptive reuse of existing site
· Waste water collection system
· Rain water harvesting for irrigation
· Permeable roads and drives
· Community green space management
· Bulk water run-off
· Sensitive areas protected from construction activity
Energy Efficient Construction
· Recycling construction waste
· Engineered floor truss
· High efficiency windows and doors
· Cut list and beam sizing material pre-planned
· 2x6 exterior wall system and Tyvek® moisture management
· Icynene® insulation in walls and ceilings
· Framing and windows that are caulked and sealed
Green Mechanical Systems
· Geothermal closed loop heating system
· Domestic water supply to reduce energy usage
· Highly efficient plumbing system
· Highly efficient electrical system/fixtures
· Energy Star lighting fixtures and CFL (Compact Florescent Lights)
· Exterior lighting and bath fans use time switching devices
· Energy Star rated appliances
Indoor Air Quality-Green Interiors
· Ductwork sealed from debris during construction
· Entry walk-off mats
· Central vacuum with exterior venting
· Zero VOC, low odor, silica free GreenSure™ designated paints
· ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)
· Very fine filtration (MERV10)
· CO detectors
Additional Specifications & Selections
· Engineered roof truss
· Renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable cedar shake siding and cedar decking
