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Casa Verdanta
6263 Bernhard Ave. - Richmond, CA 94805
Front daytime view. Main entrance left, 2nd entrance right.
Contact
Jan Grygier, OwnerFiled Under:
SF Bay Area, bamboo flooring, extensive daylighting and views, Greywater recycling, infill, passive solar, radiant heating, recycled materials, yurt 24'Green features
Certifications and Awards
Awards (list):
People's Choice Award for Contra Costa County in 2008 Green Homes Tour (Build it Green)
Energy
Energy use and generation:
Windows - ENERGY STAR rated
Insulation meets current building code
Superior Insulation - (i.e. cellulose or formaldehyde free)
Energy costs paid by tenants to encourage conservation
Passive solar design
Space heating and cooling:
Radiant heating zoned or hydronic
Programmable thermostat (single family home)
Appliances and equipment:
Refrigerator meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR standard
Dishwasher meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR standard
Clothes washer meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR standard
Windows open
Ceiling fans
Lighting:
Energy efficient lighting fixtures
Energy efficient bulbs
Use of LEDs
Skylights or other daylighting features
Exterior light pollution reduction
Water
Indoor water use:
Low-flow toilets
Aerators on sinks or shower heads
Dual-flush toilets
Water reuse:
Grey water re-use system (interior or exterior)
Water heating:
High efficiency water heater
Tankless, on-demand water heating
Water heater turned down to 120 F
Insulated water pipes or tank
Building Surroundings
Nearby amenities:
Services (i.e. grocery store) nearby
Public transit nearby
Park/open space/wildlife area nearby
Landscaping:
No use of invasive plants
Limited or no use of grass or turf
Use of drought tolerant plants
Use of native plants
Non-toxic pest control
Use of shade trees
Water efficient irrigation system
Building Materials
Interior finishes:
Low/No VOC interior paint
Low/No VOC adhesives or solvents
Low/No VOC water-based wood finishes
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood
Rapidly renewable materials (i.e. bamboo, cork)
Recycled content or salvaged interior finishes (i.e., glass)
Recycled content in carpet or cushions
Exterior:
Natural wood interior or exterior
New construction - materials sourced locally
Fiber-cement exterior siding
Design and construction planning:
Salvaged reusable building materials during construction
Recycled greater than 50% of construction waste
Use of salvaged materials within property
Use of recycled-content materials
Use of locally sourced materials
Use of rapidly renewable materials
Operations
Shared resources:
Easily accessible and secure bike racks/storage
Carpooling information
Waste, recycling and composting:
Composts yard debris on or off site
Composts food waste on or off site
Indoor environmental quality:
Non-toxic/sustainable cleaning practices and products
Education for tenants:
Occupant's manual and/or walkthrough on green features
Other Green Features
This is to our knowledge, the second house in the world made from re-used, insulated shipping containers, and the first in North America (there are quite a few made from the standard corrugated ones). We even used the doors to make retaining walls. Award-winning architects created a dwelling that is calming and feels spacious, though it is actually compact and efficient.
Amenities
Property type:
Single family
Other property uses:
Office
Property features:
Unfenced yard/garden
Onsite parking - outdoor
Onsite bike parking - indoor
Internet access (available through city or property)
Easy access to public transport
Easy access to highways
Unit features (applies to all or some units):
Hardwood Floors
Carpet
Fireplace
Private balcony, deck, patio or porch
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Microwave
Skylights
Private storage space
Bathtub
Master suite
Security system
Laundry machines in unit/home
Square footage:
1000 to 2000 sqft
Number of bedrooms:
3+
Number of bathrooms:
2
Description
Gorgeous, light-filled home made from re-used refrigerated shipping containers, see website for details and news clips. Cutouts and popouts make space very airy, 2-story space is truly grand, as is the custom tilework. Walk-in closet in master suite. Zero-VOC paint throughout. 3rd bedroom has separate entrance, can be office. $2600/month. Leased through October, 2011.
Backyard is basically a Regional Park, trail from backdoor down to creek. 10 minute bike ride to BART, in a quiet, diverse neighborhood full of artists and musicians, but 15 minutes to gems of city life in Berkeley and Solano Ave.
Includes shared use of 24-ft yurt in front yard, great for meditation, Yoga, guests - or kids' birthday parties.