LOCATION
Berkeley, CA

Seventh Haven Homes, LLC is a property development of a two green condominium home community in West Berkeley.  Says Maurice Levitch, project developer: "I see the demand for green, as well as the benefits of living in a healthy home after remodeling my own home.  For this project, building green makes sense.  I look at this project as an opportunity not only to build green, but also to promote green building in our community."  

Energy Efficiency: Increases Comfort and Reduces Energy Use and Costs

• Structural insulated panel (SIP) construction at exterior walls and roof creates a highly insulated and efficient building envelope
  
• Insulated headers minimize temperature transfer between interior and exterior
  
• High efficiency Solar Thermal system uses the sun to heat water for domestic water for domestic use and heat
• Radiant heating system is efficient and comfortable
  
• Pre-wired for 2.6 KW Photovoltaic system to generate power from the sun
• Passive solar design helps to heat homes in winter
  
• Ample natural light through windows, transoms and skylights
• High efficiency windows and skylights minimize heating and cooling needs
  
• 24" deep overhangs reduce solar gain in warm weather
  
• Energy Star appliances use less energy than standard ones
  
• Insulated (R-19) steel garage door minimizes energy loss through the garage and increases comfort for work in the garage
  

Resource Conservation: Reduces Pressure on Natural and Other Resources

• Deconstructed existing building instead of demolishing it
• Re-used material from existing building for trim and forms for fireplaces and entry post bases, and stair railing cap
  
• Manufactured joists and beams, and OSB sub-floor and sheathing use less wood
  
• Headers sized to load reduce need for older-growth trees
  
• Saved and protected existing mature landscaping, including relocating pear tree on site
• Durable roofing and siding materials minimize maintenance and pressure on landfills at end of life cycle
  
• 25% slag replacement of Portland cement in concrete uses an industrial by-product that would otherwise go to waste
  
• Recycled 85% of construction debris to reduce landfill pressure
  

Water Conservation:  Reduces Demand for and Cost of Water Use

• High efficiency toilets (dual flush) and use less water
  
• Smart irrigation controller with hydro zoned drip irrigation system use water wisely
  
• California native plants require minimal water and have 2" of mulch

Community:  Homes Are an Integral Part of the Community

• Home size efficiency with spacious 3 bedroom homes and a 1,999 SF plan are in scale with neighboring homes
  
• Two detached homes on a single urban infill lot (12.5 units per acre) utilize previously developed land
  
• Secure entries with front doors visible from each unit support safety
  
• Close to shops, services and public transportation (89 0f 100 Walk Score TM points)
  
• Zero step entrances and bedroom, wide doorways, and full bathroom at ground floor for accessibility

Indoor Air Quality: Promotes Health

• Stained concrete finish floor at ground level is nontoxic and easy to clean
  
• Central vacuum system captures more particles than conventional vacuums
• Heat recover mechanical ventilation system exhausts stale air and transfers temperature of outgoing air to fresh air to reduce heating and cooling costs
  
• Tightly sealed opening between garage and living area minimizes fumes entering home
  
• Automatic exhaust fan in garage helps to remove fumes and exhaust hood and Bathroom fans remove excess moisture
  
• Low VOC paint, carpet pad, construction adhesives and interior finishes minimize off-gassing of harmful chemicals
• No added formaldehyde at shelving and cabinetry reduces unhealthy chemicals