our practices
We build homes that meet the latest HealthyBuilt Home, Energy Star, and LEED for Homes standards by combining the best green practices, methods, and materials with timeless standards of craftsmanship, integrity, and value.
We take a holistic approach to construction, viewing the house as an organism with integrated systems, and the property as environment to be respected, preserved, and enhanced.
Our crew members are educated in green building, and work with a sense of mission and pride. Knowing that green excellence depends on methodology and execution as well as product selection, they continually add to their knowledge and skills.
Four fundamentals determine the green quality of a building project: Resource Management, Indoor Air Quality, Energy Efficiency, and Site Management. We recognize the essential nature of all four, and build accordingly.
In green building, the best practices evolve and advance. To assure that we do likewise, we take a pragmatic, open-minded approach to our work.
Design
EcoBuilders is open to designs that have functional, aesthetic, and green merit. This covers a wide, inviting territory – from such classic styles as Arts & Crafts to contemporary designs.We draw from and add to local architectural history – not just because it’s here, but because it’s good. For more than a century, Asheville has attracted and spawned outstanding architects and artisans. We study, know, and speak the visual vernacular of our region.
Our interiors feature salvaged, antique architectural pieces, uniquely thoughtful and skillful trim carpentry, and influences ranging from rustic to Zen. We employ local craftspeople using local raw materials to create architectural details – countertops, fireplaces, built-ins and cabinetry – and handmade objects d'arte
General Jobsite Practices
Because there is no “away” to throw things to, and resources are too precious to waste, we are frugal with materials throughout the building process. For instance, we fell only those trees we must, and use them all: the smaller trees for mulch, the larger for lumber we mill and kiln dry so the trees on site become part of the house that stands in their place. Our walls are framed in a state-of-the-art production facility that uses every inch of wood and virtually eliminates waste. We further reduce construction waste and impact through jobsite recycling.Site Work
We start with a physical and biological inventory of the site habitat, noting native flora to be protected and invasive species to be replaced. We clear selectively, consulting with certified arborists when appropriate, and properly manage drainage and runoff. Along with siting our homes to optimize passive heating and cooling efficiency, we consider the color and reflectivity of the materials we introduce to the site toward these same ends. We emphasize erosion control, and minimize the area of impermeable surface through such measures as permeable pavers and thoughtful driveway design and construction. With our backgrounds in biology and earth sciences, we are as committed to good land stewardship as we are to good building.Foundation
Be they slab on grade, sealed crawl space or full basement, we build our foundations such that the ground will not compromise the house and the house will not compromise the ground. We work to ensure that each foundation suits the topography, functionally and aesthetically, taking an especially sensitive and successful approach to steep sites.We gently place and move as little soil as possible while making sure that surface and ground water properly drains away from the foundation. In building slabs on grade and basements, we incorporate vapor barriers and ample drainage. If we determine that a crawlspace is most appropriate, we seal, insulate and condition it so it doesn’t become a den of moldy, foul air. And we always incorporate a radon elimination system to keep your indoor air as healthful as it is fresh.
Framing
Our walls are built to green standards in an Asheville factory by the best wall-builders we know: Deltec Homes. Through Optimum Value Engineering employing 2 x 6s on 24-inch centers, we build extremely strong walls while reducing overall board footage by around 20% and increasing energy efficiency. Arranging our studs, joists, and rafters in a stacked configuration also increases the structural strength of our homes. Using engineered lumber made from recycled and waste wood enhances structural strength and dimensional stability while helping to preserve our woodlands.Windows and Doors (Fenestration)
Because these are the biggest holes in a house, we take great care to keep water, air, and energy on the proper side of each opening. For instance, we install our house wrap so as to ensure an unbroken drainage plane behind the siding, and correctly install ample flashing to avoid water penetration. Our windows themselves are architecturally appropriate, energy efficient, low-E glass, double-pane designs that combine beauty, low maintenance, and easy cleaning.Siding and Roofing
We use superior, long lasting products that will retain their beauty and protect the value of your investment. These may include 30- to 50-year shingles or recycled metal roofing, 50-year guaranteed fiber cement siding, pebble dash stucco, and cedar shingles. Our exterior paints are the best-performing coatings available, featuring low VOC emissions and high solid content.Heating, Cooling, Fresh Air and Ventilation.
The green-building watchwords are “build tight, ventilate right.” We do both.To size and specify our HVAC systems, we consult with Vandemusser Designs. Amy Musser holds a Ph.D in architectural engineering, and her husband Matt Vande (hence the firm name) is an architect. Together they provide third-party green certifications and expert consultation on specifying climate control systems to achieve optimum energy efficiency and comfort.
As appropriate, we use heat pumps, natural gas furnaces, radiant floor heating, solar hot water for radiant floor heating or exchange coils in the blower, and traditional forced air using ductwork in insulated spaces. We look forward to adding geothermal to these options as the opportunities arise.
We pay as much attention to the quality of your indoor air as we do to its temperature. Our whole house fresh air system with Energy Recovery Ventilator and HEPA filter keeps your air fresh and clean while retaining indoor energy and balancing indoor/outdoor air pressure. You can look forward to reduced airborne allergies, lower utility bills, and dust-free knick-knacks.
Along with active HVAC elements, we incorporate passive heating and cooling features as your site and design allows, minimizing your energy consumption.
Plumbing, Electrical, Appliances
Everywhere you look in our homes, you will find energy- and resource-saving features.... Grey water systems. Rainwater catchment systems. Solar electric systems. Solar hot water systems. Low-flow plumbing fixtures and dual-flush toilets. Tankless water heaters. Energy Star appliances. Energy-efficient compact fluorescent and low-voltage lighting fixtures – made even more efficient through motion detectors and timers, and complemented by abundant natural light.Our plumbers and electricians have learned before, with, and from us about performing their trade in a green way, right down to their choices of glues and solvents.
The net result is a home that provides comfort, convenience, beauty – and the added pleasure of a clear conscience.
