The earth-friendly mini tour showcases Green homes throughout the metro area and across a wide range of prices. Even better, many of the homes will host education seminars and other interesting events to give home buyers a better understanding of their Green options. Homes include:
#91 | TJB Homes, Inc.
2963 Aspen Lake Drive, Blaine
$998,900
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
Since 1982, TJB has built homes that exceed the energy code, known as their "super energy design" homes. These homes focus on using mainstream materials that balance cost and the environment in the building process. They have come up with a combination of techniques and materials that save home buyers real money, while saving some of the earth's resources for later generations.
One key factor is insulation. They use R-21 high density insulation batts and R-50 fiberglass (non-formaldehyde) ceiling insulation plus spray foam insulation in the rims. And, their standard practice is to make sure every opening in the home is gone over and sealed with foam.
Andersen(R) high-efficiency windows, air exchanger and fluorescent lights add to the green materials, while fast-growing trees like Lyptus and Brazilian Cherry are renewable choices. Building with finger-jointed studs and engineered headers that come from recycled materials also help save resources. By using these green techniques the industry as a whole could save entire forests. It's time to feel good about coming home.
#161 | Morr Construction Services, Inc.
3234 Lake Lane, Arden Hills
$599,900
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
Green features abound in this LEED certified home. The builder took extra care from the start choosing to build with locally sourced wood flooring and millwork, kitchen and bath countertops and cultured stone. The kitchen follows suit with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber and plywood used in the kitchen cabinets. Those same cabinets are factory finished with low VOC water borne lacquer. The Marvin low-E Integrity windows, open cell spray foam insulation and advanced framing techniques create a highly efficient and comfortable home environment.
To reduce lumber use, Hardie Board(R) is used for siding and composite material used to build the deck. The composite material, called Timbertech comes from Shaw/Stewart Lumber. The home also features radiant in-floor heating on all the concrete floors in the lower level and on the tiled upper-level full bath and master bath floors. Add in the Energy Star rated appliances, you finish with a very green, healthy home.
#172 | A.J. Wismin Homes
852 Berwood Avenue, Vadnais Heights
$379,000
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
Parkside Village townhomes will feature multiple green building components, including insulated concrete form (ICF) construction and geothermal heating and cooling systems. Energy Star appliances, low-flow plumbing and dual-flush toilets add real energy savings to the green pretext. The model home is proud to be part of the MN GreenStar pilot program.
ICF structures are lightweight, interlocking foam blocks that remain in place as a functional part of the wall after the concrete is poured inside the blocks - providing continuous insulation inside and outside, resulting in an extremely quiet and energy-efficient home. In addition to strength and safety, concr-ete is the most long-term environmentally responsible construction choice for building a home. It saves forests and energy and reduces waste. Please ask how this home is equipped to accept new green innovations as they become available.
#199 | Bob Michels Construction, Inc.
11055 - 66th Street N., Stillwater
$2,149,000
Builders Outreach Foundation Dream Home
This geothermally heated and cooled home brilliantly displays how innovation can take a beautiful home plan and make it green beyond your wildest dreams. Michels started with recycling the existing pole barn to another property. The building process included engineered framing lumber and structural components. Icyenene, a water based non-toxic spray foam insulation, keeps the home sealed and warm; while Sherwin Williams "vapor barrier" wall and ceiling primers keep the home dry. Cabinetry in the home comes from Dura Supreme and was crafted using green manufacturing techniques.
The home boasts a geothermal heating and cooling system to knock your socks off, no really...the floors are warm enough to go barefoot all winter! The heating, cooling and domestic hot water systems run at "off-peak" power utility rates--which now cost roughly half the price of standard household rates. This system, coupled with advanced building and insulation techniques boil down to real energy savings that will pay off the cost of these systems in a relatively short period of time; and pay the owners dividends over the life of the home.
#221 | McDonald Construction, Inc.
1771 Deephaven Drive, Woodbury
$699,900
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
This cottage-inspired home, designed by St. Amant Design, is located in the Dancing Waters community of Woodbury, and used many green processes and products. To begin with, they reviewed soil impact on native trees and plants specific to the site, and planned for low impact. The home features a very open design filled with natural light, and natural air with a continuous ventilation system. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, along with Energy Star Bosch appliances, creating a truly green space to prepare healthy family meals. McDonald Construction is excited to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with the new Minnesota GreenStar Program.
The interior design by Mark David complements the essence of this eco-friendly home. Eucalyptus flooring flows throughout the foyer, great room and kitchen, and formaldehyde-free carpet graces the bedrooms. Custom knotty alder cabinetry and custom recycled glass tiles from Lyn Hunter are a few of the fantastic environmentally friendly features of this lovely home. With the energy savings from a 92 percent efficient furnace you'll save on monthly bills while saving resources!
#254 | Biermann Contracting, Inc.
208 Ball Field Drive, Red Wing
$255,000
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
Few choices have as much impact on our lives as the homes and communities in which we choose to live. Choosing a Heartland Community, developed by Biermann; where traffic is slowed and neighbors connect, is a choice for a greener way of life. Where simple concepts like nature, pleasant views and quiet pathways have a dramatic impact on your quality of life.
This home in the Highlands development, is a perfect example of how a green-built home can be affordable using green products from the ground up. You will see rain gardens, drought tolerant landscaping, rain barrels collecting roof water, and a frost-protected shallow foundation outside. The use of "structural" styrofoam, advanced framing techniques, Andersen(R) windows, and a 96 percent efficient furnace keep heating costs low. Energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, low VOC paints and other eco-friendly products and techniques round out the list of green options. They also recycled 100 percent of the construction waste. They built the American Lung House in 1997, and have focused on improving indoor air quality ever since.
#268 | Kathy Trimble Custom Homes, Inc.
4091 W. 143rd Street, Rosemount
$449,500
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
For Kathy Trimble, winner of the 2007 Builder of the Year Award from BATC, home building has always been about combining design, function, comfort and value. This home is no exception, although it also focuses on long-term energy consumption. This unique property in the middle of Rosemount was a family farm and is surrounded by beautiful spruce trees. The design started with preserving these 'old growth' trees. Solar gain and positioning the home to take in views were also priorities. The topography lent itself to a home designed with two garages.
The lower level was designed to keep options open as the family's needs change including the possibility of converting to handicap-accessible space. Energy-efficient materials include foam insulation, high efficiency heating, air conditioning, appliances, and new lighting options. Carpet, building materials and paints were selected to improve indoor air quality. Spring landscaping will focus on native plants and water conservation features. Experts will be on hand throughout the event to discuss how you can "go green."
#415 | College City Homes, Inc.
8535 Moraine Drive, Shakopee
$525,000
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
College City Homes, BATC's Remodeler of the Year for 2007, introduces a truly environmentally and family-friendly home located in Glacier Estates of Shakopee. This home is framed with BluWood™. Yes, the framing material is actually blue! BluWood building components are engineered to resist the effects of moisture, mold and wood ingesting insects on wood. The wood is engineered with The Perfect Barrier™ system, which is a factory applied, two-part system developed by chemists. BluWood reduces lumber waste by controlling moisture and has virtually no volatile organic compounds (VOC's).
Adding to the green building components are engineered wood floors using both floor trusses and I-joists. Increased insulation by skim coating the exterior walls with one-inch thick spray foam and adding two inches of foam under the basement slab is another energy saver. These techniques greatly increase the insulating value of the home and seals against moisture and air infiltration. The landscaping plan also maximized the solar energy of the lot and includes room for a food garden and rain barrel to collect rain water for reuse. This home is proud to be part of the Minnesota GreenStar pilot program.
#444 | Shane Homes, Inc.
2825 Chowen Avenue S., Minneapolis
$1,059,900
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
This metro farm house could be described as 'urban green,' with green influences starting long before the foundation was dug. Building on a site close to existing amenities like public transportation and trails, plus selecting native plants to be watered by collected roof water run-off are all part of this green home's functionality. Since the use of water has a huge affect on the environmental impact of any home, the design pays its respects to H2O with low-flow shower heads and toilets, and no plumbing lines in outer walls to help decrease heating needs. Polyethylene tubing was placed for water lines, delivering hot water faster while being more efficient to produce, transport and install than traditional metallic piping.
This home also features many of the popular green improvements; high-efficiency furnace, spray-foam insulation, and Energy Star appliances throughout the home--all adding up to substantial savings. Another innovative green choice was metal roofing as a lifetime roofing solution to eliminate needing to replace a petroleum product-based roof. Shane Homes is excited to be part of the Minnesota GreenStar Pilot Program and looks forward to showing you just how green an urban home can be.
#449 | A. J. Wismin Homes
2701 28th Street E., Minneapolis
$333,000
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
A. J. Wismin is proud to bring green building practices to multifamily homes. The Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction offers abundant energy savings, and was also used to build airtight parting walls creating noticeably quieter rooms. The insulation value is also helped by the installation of Energy Star approved Marvin Integrity windows. This builder has two MN GreenStar pilot program homes in the Spring PreviewSM this year.
This home also features compact fluorescent lighting, ultra low-flow plumbing fixtures and dual flush toilets and low or no volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) in the paints and carpeting. The small amount of lumber used is registered as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), meaning it was sustainably produced. This home was a way for the builder to show how to embrace innovation while practicing conservation, the result is a remarkably affordable way to live the green dream.
#530 | Boyer Building Corporation
4051 Pipewood Lane, Excelsior
$879,700
This home was built to be both energy efficient and 'green,' with a specific focus on lowering monthly energy costs for the homeowner. Boyer found that when you upgrade to green products, you are also upgrading in quality. The Energy Star rating on the home guarantees half the energy to heat and cool, and half the electricity to light the home! When costs are lowered this much, families can upgrade to more home while staying on budget.
From day one, this home was planned for efficiency and comfort to be the final outcome. Recycling all the waste from the building process, the low-E Marvin windows, the storm water system they installed, and the footprint of the home are all eco-friendly pieces that add up to a very green home. Another green perk of this home is its proximity to many outdoor recreational centers, promoting biking, playing ball, and all the other 'old fashioned' ways to be green--like breathing outdoor air!
#544 | Vogue ICF Homes, Inc.
2116 Noble Lane, Mound
$2,890,000
Vogue understands that today's customers are making energy savings a high priority, and they are at the forefront with their Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction. Building this way makes an enormous dent in heating bills, while helping save the environment by saving lumber. Styrofoam forms are stacked in place and filled with concrete to make a seamless, superinsulated, tornado resistant, airtight envelope that extends from the footings to the roof.
Homeowners can expect a 50 - 60 percent savings in heating and cooling costs. Add the geothermal heating and cooling, and you are presented with extraordinarily low energy costs, estimated at $850 per year for this 5,400 square-foot home. Geothermal heating uses in-floor radiant heat, which is also more efficient and lowers the circulation of air pollutants inside the home. The home features many more green building products which blend well with the cottage style of this well crafted home. Vogue has been building green long before it was considered 'in vogue.'
#703 | Rottlund Homes, Inc.
16689 - 72nd Street NE, Otsego
$339,900
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
This is another great example of a well-built green home from Rottlund. This home incorporates many of the latest green building practices and products. A 95 percent efficient furnace with a variable ECM speed motor and a 14 Seer air conditioner with puron filter start the list. A programmable thermostat lets you reduce energy consumption when away from home. The R-50+ attic insulation helps reduce heating costs.
Energy Star rated appliances fit seamlessly into the home's energy reducing design. The built-in recycling center makes it easy for the homeowners to do their part. The bathroom is outfitted with ultra low-flow faucets and showerheads, helping reduce water use and water heating costs. This beautiful green home resides within the 'Wildflower Meadows' development in Otsego, with plans for a new neighborhood park for 2008--another way to keep families healthy and active close to home.
#724 | Croix Custom Homes, Inc.
1310 Lindsay Road, Hudson
$989,000
This company's road to becoming a green builder started in 2003, and they have learned with every home since. Croix Custom Homes is a Green Built home, the Wisconsin equivalent of Minnesota GreenStar. Their focus is now on implementing durable, environmentally friendly and responsible building practices and products. Making a home 'green' can come down to detail: sealing can lights, caulking all sill and wall plates, and using locally and regionally produced materials to limit transportation pollution and energy consumption.
The home also has a furnace featuring a modulating ECM motor, which uses less energy to start each cycle. Smart choices in the products used include Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, 50-year shingles, cement board siding, and hardwood floors. Indoor air quality issues are addressed with a radon mitigation system, proper ventilation, air cleaners and low or no VOC paints.
#732 | Landsted LLC
736 Prominence Court, Hudson
$894,800
MN GreenStar Pilot Program Participant
Landsted's home in the Hills of Troy is as unique as it is efficient. The many green attributes of this home will allow the owners superior comfort and healthy-home benefits, along with reasonable operating costs and low maintenance. Their goal was to create an environmentally responsible home without going overboard...a working man's green home. For the Cottagewood they used the 10/10 rule, which states that once you get past a certain point, to gain 10 percent more efficiency in any area, you often have to pay up to 10 times more for that portion of the project. They value-engineered insulation, heating system, materials, and design options to achieve the best over-all combination of performance and value.
When you visit this home, you will be impressed by the flow of the plan, wonderful views, abundant natural light, and top-rate materials and workmanship. It is apparent how much planning went into designing this green home. The Cottagewood has many surprises awaiting your discovery, and something to please most any taste. This home is also in the MN GreenStar Pilot program. And, of course, you will be very comfortable...in fact, you may not want to leave.
