Portland Green Cottage

This two-bedroom cottage is a modest example of how to maximize a small footprint and effectively use recycled materials to create a simple single family home.

Green Features

Site:
Remodeled cottage
All improvements were made within the original footprint
The floor plan was reconfigured to create more space and allow more natural lighting

Water:
Converted old driveway into a garden to improve the rainwater run-off
Rainwater filters through the soil and ground water nourshing the soil for native plants
Native plants in landscape

Energy:
Added windows and French doors to bring in west light
Soapstone woodstove used to heat the house
Energy efficicent water heater
Porch on west side provides summer shade and winter sunlight
Single pane windows were replaced with double pane low-e glazing
Operable windows allow for natural cooling

Materials:
Porch posts are two old cedar trees from a....and the beams are salvaged
Open shelves in the kitchen were made out of old bleacher seats
Kitchen counter tops made out of salvaged whiskey barrels
Salvaged oak flooring to patch up original flooring found under old carpeting
Cabinetry made of wheatboard

Indoor Environment:
Operable windows allow for natural ventilation
Paints are low - no VOC content