Materials

All of the materials in the house have been selected to be sustainable in their sourcing and function, non-toxic and non-harming in their manufacture and use, and consistent with the home's peaceful, natural, warm aesthetic.

• No formaldehyde off-gassing materials used.  No interior plywood, particle board, or other composite materials used.  Where exterior plywood was called for, it was aired for at least three months and then coated with Safecoat  "SafeSeal."
   
• Main flooring, kitchen island, and kitchen cabinetry all constructed from reclaimed southern yellow pine, locally milled. 
   
• Roof constructed from recycled plastic offcuts; realistic-looking slate alternative.
   
• Countertops are reclaimed black granite, chosen for its high thermal capacity, and function as thermal mass, helping to keep the house warm in winter and cool in summer.   (In winter, thermal mass absorbs heat from the wood fire or the sun and releases it slowly.   In summer, thermal mass cools at night and helps stabilize house temperature during the day.) 
   
• Dining area floor is irregular-cut slate, embedded in a double-thick concrete base, for additional thermal mass.
   
• Exterior wood and interior trim constructed from white pine, locally and sustainably sourced. 
   
• Insulation is blown-in slag wool, a green, nontoxic, high-R-value byproduct of steel manufacture.
   
• Fence-posts are locally grown locust. 
   
• All finishing materials low or zero VOC.   Safecoat paints; Osmo or Safecoat hardwax oils.
   
• No toxic adhesives used in any construction, including plumbing, cabinetry, counter installation, etc.
   
• No pesticides; only nontoxic cleaning products.
   
• Low-E Pella windows and doors.