These innovative, energy smart, 5 Star Built Green homes are located one block to public transit and the neighborhood centre of Rollingbay. Their climate-specific engineering and design are set in a classic cottage framework. Familiar dimensions provide a cozy cottage feel, while behind the walls are 21st century eco-building techniques and materials.

After independent testing and verification, the cottages are estimated to be at least 30% more energy efficient than conventional homes. Personal lifestyle and ha bits play a very large part in overall energy consumption and motivated homeowners could improve on that 30% estimation.

The red cottage, with full southern orientation, has added valuable solar PV and water systems. The homeowner will receive an annual payment for all kWh produced from the Washington-made PV panels and inverter, estimated at $1500 per year.

1. 1100 gallon cistern (made in Washington) to collect rain water
2. Engineered rain gardens to filter excess storm water run off
3. Stealth toilets use .8 gal/flush—lowest on the market
4. Low flow faucets and shower heads
5. Edibles: pears, apples, prunes, blueberries and huckleberries
6. Natives: salal, cedars, sword ferns, snowberries, Oregon grape, pacific wax myrtle,
wild lilac, red flowering currant
7. Only 25% turf grass to maximize native plant restoration
8. Vegetable garden beds
9. Restoration of site from old growth blackberries to natives
10. Less than 1/8 mile to bus stop and neighborhood center

1. Smart Wall double insulation system with thermal break
2. All natural blown in sheeps wool insulation
3. Eco-Batt fiberglass insulation with natural plant-based adhesive
4. R-26 walls, R-43 ceiling, R-38 floors—all exceeding code
5. Advanced framed walls (2 x 6, 24” o.c.) less wood, more insulation
6. Energy dashboard monitoring system
7. Mini-split heat pump—highly efficient space heating
8. All Energy Star Appliances
9. Energy Star lighting—compact fluorescents & LEDs
10. 3.12 kWh Washington-made PV system and 30 tube Thermomax Solar H2O system
installed on red cottage

1. HRV—whole house air circulation and filtration system
2. Zero carpeting—no off-gassing of padding or carpet and no collecting of pollutants
3. Low VOC paints and finishes
4. Cabinets and trim with no added urea-formaldehyde
5. Great passive ventilation with operable casement windows and skylights
6. Rain screen siding system with ¾” air gap to prevent moisture problems

1. 2000 sq ft compact designs—efficient use of space and materials
2. 30 year metal roof—very durable and low maintenance
3. Cement board siding—very durable and low maintenance
4. Oak flooring from the U.S.
5. Mineral Wool insulation has very high recycled content
6. Recycled rubber + renewable cork flooring
7. Extensive job site materials recycling
8. No endangered wood species used

Rollingbay Cottages

Architect: Russell Hamlet, Studio Hamlet
Builder: Geoffrey Hobert Contractors
Size: 1900 - 2000 sq ft; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Price: $498,000 - $535,000
Completed: September 2011
Addresses: 10912 & 10918 Sunrise Drive