Ojai Valley Green Coalition Green Tour Home Page

Sat. Oct. 4, 2008 10 am to 4 pm VIP Reception 7 pm

Tour Sites

The intent for this first-ever Ojai Valley Green Home and Building Tour is to educate and inspire local citizens toward the goal of making our valley a model sustainable community. Although the green building movement is still in its infancy, the Ojai Valley already boasts many good examples of design and construction carried out according to green principles. From these, the Coalition has chosen homes and buildings that best exemplify the use of sustainable practices and materials. Not every venue on the tour will demonstrate every principle of green building. Yet, as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. We expect attendees to take home many good ideas for incorporation into their own houses, buildings, and lives. The best outcome of the tour will be a replication of green design all across the Ojai Valley-an upshot that will have a continuing positive effect on our collective carbon footprint.

Green Tour Sites

Site #1: A 50's Green Makeover
Site #2: Retirement the Green Way
Site #3: Managing the Sun
Site #4: Commercial Green
Site #5: The Ojai Foundation

Site #1: A 50's Green Makeover

Single family Residential Remodel & Addition
Size: 1,660 SF
Designer: Thompson Naylor Architects
Builder: Allen Associates

Green at a Glance

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Addition built with structural insulated panels
Tankless water heater
Hot water pipes insulated
Owners opted out of cooling system and reused existing fans
Energy Star refrigerator and washer
Insulation values in new addition exceed Title 24
Passive solar heating and overhangs or awnings over South facing windows
Light colored roof
Green screening on south and west side of house

Resource Conservation

30% fly ash in all new concrete on project
Engineered lumber beams used in kitchen and living room
Reused windows, plumbing materials and fixtures, scrap lumber reused for raised vegetable garden
Combination of daylighting, compact fluorescents and LED lighting used
Dishwasher and range reused
Exposed concrete as finished floor
Bamboo and cork flooring
Only 1½ dumpsters of waste went to landfill

Water Conservation

No turf grass; a combination of native bunch grasses planned
Permeable entry pavers and bioswale will allow water runoff to percolate back into the ground

Indoor Air Quality

Stego moisture barrier installed underneath slab of addition
House wrap under siding & vented rain screens installed between cladding and sheathing
Formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation
No VOC paints
Low/no VOC adhesives or eliminated
Formaldehyde-free particleboard
Natural linoleum in place of vinyl

Back to Site Listing

This cinder block, uninsulated house was built in 1955. The project includes a whole house remodel of the existing 1,084 square foot single story, residence and a new 576 square foot, two story addition affectionately referred to as the 'Green Cube' by the owners.

The project team's goal was to improve the overall energy efficiency, comfort, health and aesthetics of an older Oak View home while making it as green as possible. The owners were on a tight budget, thus having to be strategically selective and to evaluate each "green" option as to affordability.
The floor plan of the original portion of the home was opened to create a feeling of spaciousness, allow for more efficient use of space, and modernize the kitchen. New, furred-out walls allow for increased insulation. New bamboo floors, energy efficient appliances, and improved lighting are some of the green features that you will find when you visit this small and sustainable home.

Site #2: Retirement the Green Way

Single Family Residential Remodel
Size: 3,474 SF
Designer: West Wood Construction
Builder: West Wood Construction
Landscape Architect: John La Mar
Solar contractor: California Solar Electric

Green at a Glance

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Energy star appliances
79.5% more efficient than Title 24
2 ½" fiber insulating panels over ceiling board
Photovoltaic electricity
Long lasting, energy star roofing material
House wrap under siding
Tankless water heater
Daylighting design used in all rooms
Double-paned windows
Thermal drafting through eves and ridges venting

Resource Conservation

Engineered lumber and FSI certified wood
Reclaimed wood used from existing home, the rest mulched for ground cover
Recycled content decking
100% recycled steel rebar
Recyclable copper water lines throughout house
Recycling center
Renewable cork and farmed maple flooring

Water Conservation

High-efficiency irrigation system
Permeable paving with French drains
Low flow showerheads and faucets
Dual flush toilets

Indoor Air Quality

Low VOC paints, finishes, adhesives
Paperless, moisture resistant drywall
Entryway designed to reduce tracked in contaminants
No particle board used
Kitchen range hood vented to the outside

Back to Site Listing

Pete and Kay Rush purchased this 50 year old home for retirement, 14 years ago. Its biggest draw was its location being within walking distance of almost everything they would need. Otherwise the home had extensive structural deterioration, dark interiors, single pane windows and no insulation at all.
The home was taken down to its exterior wall framing and built back up using the best green design and building practices. The Rushes have been making environmentally responsible decisions for a long time; they wanted their retirement home to be healthy, durable and energy efficient.

Site #3: Managing the Sun

Retro-fitted existing single family home
Size: 4,300 SF
Designer: Troy Becker, owner/builder
Builder: Troy Becker, owner/builder

Green at a Glance

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Photovoltaic solar panel array
Variable-speed pool pump
Solar water heater
Tankless flash water heater conserves gas
Solar well pump with storage tank
Attic fans to remove heat from ceilings and roof
Interior daylighting, dimmers, and compact fluorescent lights
Heavy deciduous vines cover west-facing patio

Resource Conservation

Sanitary District reclaims horse manure
Wood chips and compost hold water in garden beds
Recycling bins and storage area

Water Conservation

Tankless flash water heater conserves water
Water holding tank keeps solar-heated water ready for the flash water heater at a warmer temperature
Weathermatic ‘smart’ sprinkler control system
Wood chips and compost reduce irrigation requirements in garden beds

Indoor Air Quality

High-efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system with auto-ducting features allows un-used rooms to be temporarily excluded from system, reducing energy consumption

Back to Site Listing

Though this spacious in-town home on a large piece of property might otherwise be an energy guzzler, the owner/builder has found ways to work with the sun and existing new technology to cut energy consumption.
The swimming pool presented a challenge that was met by utilizing a new variable speed pump for the filtering system. This smart technology uses up to 80% less energy than old-style pool filters. The pool is heated via a solar water heater, which is also used to provide heated water to the tankless on-demand in-house hot water delivery system.
A large array of solar panels provide adequate electricity to power the two-story house as well. The Becker family has seen a dramatic 87% reduction in their electricity bills since the installation of the photovoltaic system.
To keep the mostly drought tolerant landscaping occasionally irrigated during the hot, dry summer months, there is a smart irrigation system, managed by a Weathermatic sprinkler control. Heavy deciduous vines cover the west-facing patio, while gardens are mulched and composted. Excess compost goes to the sanitary district for reuse.
High-efficiency HVAC units with auto-ducting features round out this energy conscious homeowner’s strategy to manage the power of the sun.

Natural light suffuses the interior of the Commercial Green building

Site #4: Commercial Green

New Commercial
Size, Unit C 2750 SF
Owner: EF Moore & Company Architect: David Bury & Company
Builder: Andrew Stasse & Company

Green at a Glance

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Natural daylight in all offices, eliminating need for artificial electric lights throughout the day
All units are pre-wired for solar
Unit H has a west-facing solar array

Resource Conservation

Daylighting in main hallways using skylights and ‘Sola Tubes’ along with diffusers to provide natural lighting
Each individual office offers operable windows with a view to reduce the need for electricity

Water Conservation

Tankless on-demand water heaters
Low flush toilets
Low water-demanding landscaping
Mulch and wood chips in garden beds for water retention
No lawns to water and mow

Indoor Air Quality

High efficiency heating and ventilating system filters out pollens, dust and other allergens
Non VOC paints
35% recycled content in solvent-free carpeting with self-lock installation, resulting in no offgassing adhesives

Back to Site Listing

Building owner and developer, Ted Moore wanted his office staff to enjoy working in an environment free of indoor air pollution. This office suite is designed not only to have healthy air to breathe, but also to provide natural indoor daylighting and a view from every office. The impressive hallway is illuminated with diffused sunlight emanating from the ‘Sola Tubes’ in the ceiling above, thus eliminating the need for the extensive use of electricity. Low VOC paint and carpeting compliment the engineered flooring. The heating and air conditioning system is high efficiency and removes dust, pollens and other allergens to improve indoor air quality. The project also makes use of tankless water heaters and low flush toilets. Landscaping was designed to use less irrigation and to eliminate the need for mowing lawns. At this same office complex, you will see on the roof of unit H, a solar panel array used for meeting electricity needs. Moore’s development company is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and is involved in developing LEED certified commercial projects. LEED stands for leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a designation rapidly gaining worldwide recognition as the standard for judging the environmental quality of a building. It was developed by the U.S. Green Building council. Commercial Green New Commercial Size, Unit C 2750 SF Owner: E.F. Moore & Company Architect: David Bury & Company Builder: Andrew Stasse Company

Site #5: The Ojai Foundation

Commercial/retreat and staff residence
Size: 40 acre compound
Designer: Jane Carroll, new Council House
Builder: Various

Green at a Glance

Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

Photovoltaic electricity
Solar powered outdoor lighting
Compact fluorescent light bulbs used
Tankless water heater
Living green roof
Double-paned, low-emissivity windows
Overhangs over South facing windows

Resource Conservation

Materials are reused or have recycled content
Recycled content aggregate used for road
Recycled flyash incorporated into concrete
Engineered lumber and recycled steel frame
Blue denim insulation
Exposed concrete as finished floor
Rapidly renewable mesquite flooring
Pan flashings installed on windows and doors

Water Conservation

High-efficiency irrigation system
On-site water catchment system
Permeable paving
Low flow faucets and toilets

Indoor Air Quality

Installed sealed combustion heating and hot water equipment
No particle board used
Formaldehyde-free insulation

Back to Site Listing

For over 25 years The Ojai Foundation has been a champion and vigorous example of sustainable living. Its architectural evolution reflects a philosophy of stewardship and sustainability, both for the 40 acres it occupies and for the Earth at large. Many have lived there with the prayer "keep it simple" - listening through canvas walls, sitting around the fire, and sharing stories. As we've learned more about the yurts and domes (our first 'structures'), we've discovered that living "light-on-the-land" is not always as environmentally or economically sound as it first appears. The animals love the inside of these structures as much as we do, and the canvas sidings need frequent maintenance or replacement. Though wonderful hermitages for visitors, they are not sustainable for permanent residents or office equipment. Ojai Foundation kiva

Stewardship of the earth is a matter of technology as well as the heart. Numerous innovators in sustainable building design, construction techniques, and permaculture principles have presented workshops in the supportive setting, and many thousands have contributed their labor and resources in building only what we have felt to be necessary to our dream of a human-nature sanctuary.