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Green Buildings Open House: Rhode Island

Charlestown

Address: 1411 Shannock Road
Contact: Noel Rowe & Abby Barber
Phone: 401-364-7140
Email: 74227.2342@compuserve.com
Designer: Donald Watson
Square Feet: 2600
Builder: Jim Ehle/Meyer. Solar electric & hot water design and installation by Everett Barber of Sunsearch
Building Style: Contemporary
Year Built: 2000
Fuel Type: Wood, propane
Fuel Amount: 3 cords of wood, 526 gallons propane, 110 hrs. of generator use.
Insulation Type: Supinsulated
Building Features:

• Photovoltaics
• Radiant floor heating
• Passive solar
• Sunspace
• Solar domestic hot water
• Electric vehicle
• Energy Star rated

Other Building Information: Pole Barn: Morton building 36 x 56’ with 2000 watt utility intertie PV system that runs the meter backwards June to June. Utility bill was $26. Passive solar office & shop heated by active solar hot water radiant floor. Backup is 40 gallon propane hot water heater. Electric golf cart: Electric Izuzu pickup truck estimated cost is 0.7 kilowatts per mile. Range 50-60 miles summer 25 in winter. House: Two story, slab on grade with colored concrete, superinsulated, passive solar, contemporary with an open plan, a roof monitor and a Four Seasons sun room. 2000 watt PV system "off the grid" with propane generator backup, solar domestic hot water, radiant floor heated active solar & by a tarn wood/propane boiler. Venmar air to air heat exchange ventilation system. Fiberglass windows & doors by Accurate Dorwin. Propane refrigerator, Staber washing machine, radio controlled security system, solar powered entrance gate. Recycled plastic lumber entrance ramp and ACQ treated wood. Landscaped with native plants.
Special Considerations: We have 2 buildings that are solar. The barn described below is close to the road and has better parking. The house is 1500 feet away in the woods with a single lane gravel drive. It would be best if visitors park at the barn and see it and then walk up to the house if they are able. Any handicapped visitor can drive up to the house. Energy Star home. Second Place in residential catagory Green Buildings Awards!!

Coventry

Address: 451 Hammet Road
The Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living
Contact: Bekah Greenwald
Phone: 401-397-3430
Email: info@apeiron.org
Designer: Paul Schaaf
Construction Cost: $250,000
Square Feet: 3,601 to outside wall
Builder: Eliot Raymond/Ned Reynolds
Year Built: 1998-2002
Fuel Type: Propane Wood Electric
Building Style: Eclectic
Window Brand: Accurate Dorwin
Insulation Type: Cellulose & straw bale
Insulation Quantity: Walls R-41, ceiling R-74
Building Features:

• Energy Star rated
• Solar domestic hot water
• Daylighting
• Sunspace
• Masonry stove
• Composting toilet
• Photovoltaics
• Passive solar
• Straw bale
• Radiant floor heating

Other Building Information: Designed by a team of experts in sustainable design and technologies, the house showcases more than 50 environmentally friendly systems, technologies and products incuding: recycled materials roofing; non-toxic paints and stains; edible landscaping; salvaged lumber; exterior siding shingles from an ecologically managed forest; nature trails; meditation spots; 2kW grid-intertied photovoltaic system; masonry heater; constructed wetlands wastewater treatment system; light clay construction; high performance windows and doors.
General Information: The Apeiron Center for Environmental Living is open to the public so anyone can come in and see these techonologies. Exhibits explain all the house model’s features, including how they work, how they differ from traditional systems, why they are beneficial, their cost-effectiveness and payback periods. Many organizations, including the Apeiron Institute, run educational programs and offer other activities promoting sustainable living at the center. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information on renting the facility, please contact us.
Directions: Please use your odometer to help you find us! 1. From Rte 95, take exit 10B (Rte 117 West) From 95 North, turn left at end of ramp From 95 South, turn right at end of ramp. 2. From first traffic light off exit, follow Rte. 117 West 10.7 miles. Landmarks At 2.3 miles, road makes a rt. and left at lights--stay on 117 West At 8.9 miles you’ll pass the Coventry Fire Station 3. At 10.7 miles at top of large hill,take rt. onto Hammett Rd. 4.Go .8 miles to Camp Hamilton. #451 on the left-hand side. Go up driveway to center.
Special Considerations: Open 1:00 pm - 5:00 only.  Guided tours at 1:30 & 3:30. Plenty of Parking.  No pets please.

Cranston

Address: 42 Tremont Street
Contact: Domenic Bucci
Rhode Island Solar Energy Assn.
Phone: 401-942-6691
Square Feet: 25' x 38'
Building Style: Ranch
Year Built: 1950, renovated: 1980 Sun space/Greenhouse
Fuel Type: Oil
Fuel Amount: 300 gallons saved per year, heating boiler off 7 months/yr
Building Features:

• Sunspace
• Solar domestic hot water
• Photovoltaics

Other Building Information: Greenhouse/sunspace, passive solar batch water heater, solar oven, PV module (280W, 4’ X 6', mounted on a pipe and adjustable).
General Information: An attached greenhouse/sunspace, 8’ wide x 25’ long ‘9 1/2’ high, was owner designed and built in 1980. A 10’ wide by 18’ carport with a clear polycarbonate sheet roof is also used as a multipurpose area. A passive solar water heater provides all of our domestic use from April to October. A solar oven, owner designed and built is used to cook, bake, reheat and dry foods. A 20' x 80' raised bed provides organic fruit and vegetables. The attached greenhouse/sunspace provides required heat to the house from April to October. 300 gallons of fuel oil savings per year. Heating boiler is off 7 months.
Directions: From Route 295 North or South in RI, exit onto Route 14 East (Plainfield Pike). Go about 2 miles to Route 5 (Atwood Ave) traffic signal and turn right, take 2nd right to #42 Tremont St.

Hope Valley

Address: 19 Crouther’s Pl.
Contact: Nina & Jim Cast
Phone: 401-364-6434
Email: rooks_cast@hotmail.com
Designer: Nina Rooks-Cast
Construction Cost: $150,000
Square Feet: 2500
Builder: Jim Cast
Building Style: Eclectic
Year Built: 2000
Fuel Type: Electric
Fuel Amount: Geothermal (electricity runs pump). ~$500.00
Electricity Amount: 210,000 Kwh
Window Brand: Andersen low-e
Insulation Type: Cellulose
Insulation Quantity: 6" + 1" rigid around foundation
Building Features:

• Solar domestic hot water
• Geothermal heat pump
• Daylighting
• Heat recovery ventilation
• Sunspace
• Passive solar
• Radiant floor heating
• Energy Star rated

Other Building Information: Other green materials used: Linoleum floors in bathrooms & mudroom. Recycled carpeting in bedrooms & and recycled underpad material (recycled soda bottle rug fiber). Roof material looks like slate but is a composite of recycled plastic and rubber. Radiant floor heating in basement and first floor. Will have bamboo flooring in livingroom.
General Information: Our house remains a work in progress - with the owner also being the builder, we’re on the 20 year plan! But it gives us the time to make sure we get things done perfect. And we’re quite proud of the place.
Directions: Take I-95 ro Exit 2 in RI. At the end of the ramp go towards Alton (left if coming from the north & right if coming from the south). Go 2 miles until you reach a stop sign and take a left onto Woodville Rd. Go 3/10th of a mile and turn right onto Crowthers Place. This is a dirt road - if you get to the river, you have missed it. Go approx 1/4 mile and when the road forks, take the left fork. (Actually goes kind of straight while the road curves to the right) This is our driveway and we are the only house on it although you will see the barn first.
Special Considerations: We have 2 dogs and live on a dirt road (1/2 mile).

Kingston

Address: State Rte. 138, Kingston Rd.
Contact: Lindsay Suter
Phone: (203) 484-5059
Designer: Lindsay Suter
Construction Cost: $73/s.f.
Square Feet: 1790
Builder: Lindsay Suter
Building Style: New England vernacular
Year Built: 1995
Fuel Type: Propane
Fuel Amount: $510/yr (~350 gal L.P.)
Electricity Amount: ~6 Kwh/day average
Window Brand: Bilt-Best
Insulation Type: R32 in walls, R40 in floor and ceiling. Structural Insulated Panels
Building Features:

• Daylighting
• Heat recovery ventilation
• Radiant floor heating
• Passive solar
• Alternative fuel vehicle

Other Building Information: Other features include salvaged and recycled materials; low-VOC and no-VOC finishes; and heavy timber/structural SIP hybrid. Site design considered wind and solar orientation. There are numerous features that have been implemented to increase efficiency such as preserving existing trees, solar eve overhang on front facade, large north facing windows have insulated interior shutters. The hydronic radiant-floor heating and hot water system is fired by a high-efficiency, direct-vent gas heater. The radiant heat is an "open system," so domestic hot water is preheated in the floor, and hot water use in summer provides free cooling so no mechanical cooling system is necessary. Locally harvested wood has been utilized for different parts of the house as well as raw cork and ceramic tile (all flooring installed over gravel for thermal mass). The 31 degree south slope of the roof has been designed to be upgraded with thin-film photovoltaic shingles (4500 watts peak).
General Information: A simple, restrained and roofed box divided into meaningful spaces, beautifully oriented with protective windows. The aim of this project was to design and build a modest residence that was senstive to both its rural New England context and its environmental impact. The result combines vernacular forms and traditions with contemporary sustainable principles. Building features include structural stressed-skin panels, local heavy timbers and fieldstone, passive solar and radiant floor heating and cooling, interior thermal window shutters, and recycled and salvaged materials. This house won honorable mention in the Northeast Green Building Awards and the first annual Sustainable Design Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects!
Directions: Rte 95 (N. or S.) to Exit 3 in Rhode Island. Go East on Rte 138 for approx 4 miles. Look for Heaton Orchard Rd on right. 300 yards PAST Heaton Orchard is #516 on left. Follow signs up the hill. If you pass Old Usquepaug Rd on left, you’ve gone too far. Call 401-789-2232 if lost.

Newport

Address: Girard Avenue
Trinity Financial
Contact: Hank Keating
Email: hkeating@trinityfinancial.com
Designer: Icon Architecture Inc.
Construction Cost: $11 million
Square Feet: 83,844 total
Builder: Dimeo Construction / CWC Builders
Building Style: Multi-family
Year Built: 2003
Fuel Type: Natural gas
Window Brand: General aluminum (vinyl windows)
Insulation Type: Cellulose
Insulation Quantity: R 38 in attic
Building Features:

• Energy Star rated

General Information: This first phase of a 425-unit replacement development consists of 30 buildings with 81 units, located on 4 acres of land. The homes encompass a mix of 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-bedroom units. Visitors will be able to view units in various stages of completion, thereby acquiring a more complete understanding of high-performance structural and insulation techniques.
Directions: Take Rt. 114 to Coddington Highway, then left onto Girard Avenue. Cross Maple Ave to 1st driveway on left.
Special Considerations: Park at job site trailer, Girard Avenue.

Portsmouth

Address: 66 Freeborn Street
Contact: David Reise
Phone: 401-683-4460
Email: ReiseDG@Npt.NUWC.Navy.Mil
Construction Cost: $140,000
Square Feet: 2000
Builder: Robert Bestoso
Building Style: Farmhouse
Year Built: 1914, restored 1990
Fuel Type: Oil
Fuel Amount: 600 gal
Electricity Amount: 3600 kWh
Window Brand: Hurd Low-E
Insulation Type: Fiberglass
Insulation Quantity: 6" wall
Building Features:

• Photovoltaics
• Passive solar

Other Building Information: The house is well insulated and has some passive solar. The main feature is the 5000 watt photovotaic system. Direct utility tied system with all associated hardware inverter. Special meter utilized for net metering. This system is currently the largest in RI. There is also a battery back-up system/inverter.
Directions: From the North: Take your best route to RI and Route 24 south. On Rte. 24 south, take Exit 1 towards Rte 138 South (Portsmouth Center exit). Turn right at the bottom of the ramp. Go 1/2 mile and turn right onto Freeborn Street. The house is on the left, #66, brown stained house w/ yellow trim and bluestone driveway. From the South: Take your best route to the Newport Bridge. From the bridge take Rte 138 North through Newport and Middletown to Portsmouth. From Rte 138 turn left onto Turnpike Avenue. Take your first left onto Freeborn Street. The house is on the left, #66, brown stained house w/ yellow trim and bluestone driveway.

Providence

Address: 1000 Elmwood Avenue
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Contact: Robbie Fearn
Email: rfearn@rwpzoo.org
Building Features:

• Photovoltaics

Other Building Information: The zoo has a demonstration five-panel PV system in the "Conservation Corner." The sytem is grid-tied and is explained by an interactive computer.
Directions: South on I-95 Take exit 17, Elmwood Avenue Left at light Park entrance is 1/2 block on right Follow the signs to the Zoo entrance West on I-195 I-195 West to I-95 South Take Exit 17, Elmwood Avenue Left at light Park entrance is half a block on right Follow the signs to the Zoo entrance North on I-95 Take Exit 16, Elmwood Avenue Bear right Left at light Park entrance is half a block on right Follow the signs to the Zoo entrance.
Special Considerations: Entrance fees for the zoo are $7 for adults, $4.50 for Senior Citizens and children 3-12 yrs old. Children under 3 are free. Zoo hours are 9am-4pm.

Providence

Address: 175 Bartlett Ave
Contact: David Johnson
Phone: 401-467-4753
Email: dj@in-depth-inc.com
Construction Cost: $12,000
Building Style: Mission Style
Year Built: 1928
Fuel Type: Natural gas
Building Features:

• Photovoltaics

Other Building Information: 1kw photovoltaic grid-tied installation in a surburban environment.
General Information: On Roger Williams Park
Directions: North of Providence: Take I-95 South to Exit 16 (Rte 10, Rte 12, Park Ave). Take second exit to Park Ave, Rte 12 East. Follow viaduct to Last Exit (Rte 12 East - Park Ave.) Exit Left onto Park Ave East - (Park Ave, Rte 12 East.) At next light - go left into Roger Williams Park. At stop sign - go right onto F C Greene Memorial Blvd. (no sign). Follow F C Greene Memorial Blvd along the lake (approx. 0.6 miles). F C Greene Memorial Blvd winds down a hill to a stop sign. Continue on F C Greene Memorial Blvd for 100 feet. Bartlett Ave is your next right. #175 is the first house on the left. South of Providence: Take I-95 North to Exit 16 (Elmwood Ave, Rte 12, Park Ave.). Take Exit to Elmwood Ave. Park Ave, Rte 12 East. Take a right onto Elmwood Ave. At next light take a left onto Park Ave (Rte 12 East - Park Ave.) At second light - go left into Roger Williams Park. At stop sign - go right onto F C Greene Memorial Blvd. (no sign). Follow F C Greene Memorial Blvd along the lake (approx. 0.6 miles). F C Greene Memorial Blvd winds down a hill to a stop sign. Continue on F C Greene Memorial Blvd for 100 feet. Bartlett Ave is your next right. #175 is the first house on the left.

Providence

Address: 17 Gordon Avenue
Contact: Richardson Ogidan
South Providence Development Corporation
Email: rogidan@spdcri.com
Construction Cost: $2.1 million
Square Feet: 26,000
Year Built: 1930
Fuel Type: Natural gas
Building Features:

• Photovoltaics
• Daylighting

Other Building Information: Project is registered with USGBC for LEED certification. Carpet, mouldings and floor tiles are earth friendly. Green roof: a no maintenace 3,300 sq. foot roof of mosses and/or grasses. Rainwater collection system: piped into 2,200 gallon storage cistern for use to flush urinals and irrigate plants. Solar power: grid-connected 10 KW of power. Pervious parking area surrounded by planting beds. Natural daylght system augmented by energy efficient lighting system.
General Information: 17 Gordon Avenue business incubator center, a project of the South Providence Development Corporation (SPDC), is a full rehabilitation of a vacant and deteriorating building in the highly urban South Providence neighborhood for use as business incubator space. The project emphasized sustainable design, and targeted tenants will be young businesses with growth potential, especially those with an environmental focus. For more information: http://www.17gordonavenue.com/.
Directions: Coming from South: 95 N. to Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue). Bear left at end of ramp; go to 2nd set of stoplights and take a right onto Eddy Street. At the first stoplight (public Street) take a left. Go through one set of stoplights (Prairie Avenue). Take your first left onto Gordon Avenue. 17 Gordon Avenue. is on the right had side. There is on street parking and the entrance is on the right side of the building. Coming from North: 95S to Exit 19 (Eddy Street). Bear right at the end of ramp. Take a left at stoplight onto Eddy Street. Take right at your first stoplight (Public Street). Go thorugh one set of stoplights and take your first left onto Gordon Avenue. 17 Gordon Avenue. is on the right-hand side. There is on street parking and the entrance is on the right side of the building.

Wickford

Address: 2 Loop Drive.
R. Arnold & Sons Construction, Inc.
Contact: Rick Arnold
Phone: 401-295-4657
Email: rrajr@juno.com
Designer: Rick Arnold
Construction Cost: $175,000
Square Feet: 1600
Builder: R. Arnold & Sons, Inc.
Building Style: Formal cottage
Year Built: 2003 under construction
Fuel Type: Propane
Window Brand: Andersen
Insulation Type: Spray-in-place polyurethane
Building Features:

• Energy Star rated
• Radiant floor heating

Other Building Information: Engineered wood support beams, posts, floor joists and sheathing.
General Information: This 1600 sq. ft. formal cottage is currently under construction providing an excellent opportunity to see some of the inner workings of an Energy Star home. Ductwork for the high velocity hydronic forced hot air/a/e system and the exhaust-only fresh air system will be exposed. Radiant floor heating tubes will be exposed, ready to accept the wood flooring directly on top. Spray-in-place foam insulation will be visible beneath the first floor and in the roof rafters. In addition to the Energy Star features, there are other design and construction details unique to the location, 50 ft. from Wickford Cove, including; 2nd floor utility room, severe weather flashing and water management, and low/no maintenance exterior siding and trim (no vinyl). There will also be a photo history to date.
Directions: From North: Rte 95 S. to Rte 4 S. Exit 5A to Wickford, Exit onto Rte 102 (Ten Rod Road). Stay on 1202 until the end. Go straight across Rte intersection at light onto Phillips Street. Next Right is Loop Drive. #2 Loop, is first house on the road. From South: Follow Rte 1 North (Post Rd) to North Kingstown. Take right at intersection of 102 and Rte 1 on to Phillips Street. Next Right is Loop Drive. #2 Loop, first house on the road.
Special Considerations: Although neat and clean, this is a construction site so wear or bring appropriate foot apparel.