| When SPF contractor Fernando Feldman first became involved in the construction of a 4,300-square-foot (399.5m²) home in Los Angeles, he knew he'd have to bring his "A" game. The home was built from scratch to be one of the most energy-efficient houses on the West Coast. From design, materials, and systems to construction techniques, the Go Green Home was being built to go beyond "green" and become a model for energy efficiency and conservation. How far beyond? While many designers and builders concern themselves with achieving energy-rating certifications such as LEED Platinum and California's Title 24 minimum energy performance standards, these guys were only concerned with how far they could blow them away. The Go Green Home is loaded with conservation-minded features, including recycled materials, 742 square feet (68.9m²) of photovoltaic roof panels, a gray water system for landscape irrigation, a rainwater collection system with a 1,200-gallon (4,542L) cistern, double- and triple-paned windows, and insulated doors. Solar and wind modeling even dictated how the house sat on the lot. With this amount of attention being paid to "green" detail, Feldman knew his SPF crew would have to lay down a foam insulation that would exceed all expectations. He also knew that the final inspection would be a bear. Since Feldman was the SPF contractor, general contractor, and homeowner, the final Go Green Home inspection was his to make! |
