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."  The homes are available now for purchase.  Details are available a http://www.1411-1413seventh.com.

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