In our ongoing efforts to develop sustainable building practices, we made it one of the goals in this project to explore the use of recycled materials.  We researched new products and suppliers in order to expand our knowledge of this aspect of sustainable building.  The result is a prototype house whose surfaces are made substantially from recycled and/or recyclable materials.  We also considered the durability and lifespan of these products so as to factor in the frequency of replacement as part of the sustainability equation.  This house is literally almost bulletproof, so it should be standing for a very long time and should require little if any material replacement throughout its long lifespan, thus reducing its overall resource consumption.

Scheduled for completion in June of 2008, this project represents the next step in Bridgecity's evolution toward greater and greener building practices.  This house has been selected by the Portland Office of Sustainable Development to be included on their annual Build It Green! Tour of Homes on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 11am to 5pm.  We hope to see you there!

This house was also featured in a web video segment at Fine Homebuilding Magazine.  Click here to see the story.

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Amenities

  • 4 beds
  • 2.5 baths
  • Over 2000 sqft. of living area
  • Reclaimed wood used for floors, cabinets, stair treads, stair railing, and decking.
  • Reclaimed crown moulding in the living room (from ReBuilding Center)
  • Recycled glass countertops in kitchen & master bath
  • Recycled glass tile backsplashes
  • Recyclable concrete tile roofing (50 year or more)
  • Rainwater capturing system
  • On-demand tankless water heater
  • Fibercement siding
  • Wool carpet 
  • No VOC paint
  • Dual flush toilets
  • 95% efficient forced air gas furnace
  • Earth Advantage certified
  • Formal living area
  • Family/dining room next to kitchen
  • 2 fire places
  • Air conditioning
  • Period light fixtures
  • 10 foot ceilings on main
  • Full length front porch
  • Full length covered 2nd story balcony on the rear of the house
  • Outbuilding dedicated to covered bike storage
  • Numerous craftsman style touches that give a sense of elegance that came with older construction, combined with the performance of new construction.
  • Featured on the Build It Green! Tour of Homes on September 20, 2008.