In Bork Newcomer's living room, the high-efficiency wood-burning Tula stove from Hearthstone Stoves can heat an area up to 1,300 square feet. The EPA-certified unit costs less than $6,000, Newcomer says, and provides consistent, added warmth during the winter to both levels of the house. Site-built clerestory and front triangle windows utilize insulated PPG Solarban 60 glass.
The open kitchen incorporates many sustainable products including Electrolux Energy Star appliances, formaldehyde-free Peachtree cabinets with low-VOC stains and lacquers, and an island made of reclaimed teak.
On the interior walls, zero-VOC San Marco mineral paints maintain up to 95 percent breathability, prevent mold growth, and pull carbon dioxide from the air, according to the manufacturer. The Domus line goes on flat like plaster and hardens over time.
Rainchains on the front porch direct water into a collection cistern, where it is stored until it flows through perforated pipe buried in the planters to keep the flowers irrigated.
The master bedroom is bright and open.
Loaded with windows, the master bathroom facilitates sweeping views of the surrounding area and includes a Danze Parma 1.5-gpm faucet, Kohler Purist 1.75-gpm showerhead, and a dual-flush WaterSense-certified toilet from American Standard.
Newcomer designed the home’s staircase and railing, using powder-coated channel steel stringers with welded steel angles to support pine glulam stair treads.
The turf-less yard features three rain gardens, a vegetable garden, and drought-tolerant landscaping.
