What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
Exceptional Insulation
* House prototype named 2011 Project of the Year by US Green Building Council
* Super-insulated house: walls = R50, roof = R80+
* Foundation insulated from the ground at R70
* Triple glazed windows
* Zehnder HRV (Heat Recovery & Ventilation) system maintains constant flow of fresh air with ~90% efficiency of heat recovery
Renewable Energy
* South-facing for passive solar heating
* Concrete slab foundation acts as heat sink for solar radiation
* 4.3 kW rooftop solar array for electricity
* Solar hot water
Ecological Materials
* All zero- or low- VOC finishes
* Durable standing-seam metal roof
* No toxic chemicals used in the house (eco-friendly cleaning products only)
* Locally-sourced granite countertop
Local Food
* Garden plots available on the shared cohousing property
* Exclusively organic practices used for yard and gardens
* No pesticides or other noxious chemicals on the property
* CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) on site
Intentional Community
* Vibrant ecovillage community makes sharing and sustainable living easier
* Access to 4,000 square-foot Common House allows for smaller homesProperty Description
Enjoy the vibrant seaside community of Belfast from the comfort of a nearly new, super-efficient home with minimal utility or heating bills. This Passive House design--the 2011 Green Building Council's Project of the Year--stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to ample insulation, triple-glazed windows and doors, active and passive solar heating, and an efficient ventilation system.
One of the few homes available in the Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage, this house is distinguished by its wraparound porch and solar hot water. Its unique position at the outskirts of the village makes it easy to enjoy views of surrounding woods and farmland in solitude or to walk a few yards on a pedestrian path to garden, dine, or relax with neighbors in the spacious Common House.
For more information and images see http//78VillageRoad.com.Neighborhood Description
There are 36 households in the ecovillage nestled on 42 acres of rolling farmland and forest. The village supports its own 3-acre CSA farm, as well as family garden plots. Hiking, cross-county skiing and snowshoeing are literally right out the back door. Opening this year is a two-story, 4000-square-foot Common House with a large dining space, professional-quality kitchen, living and work spaces, root cellar, a kid's room, and a guest bedroom.Market Area
Two miles down the road is the thriving town of Belfast and its beautiful harbor, famous for sailing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. Within a mile of the ecovillage is a YMCA, local public and alternative schools, and several large employers.
Belfast boasts nearly 20 art galleries, the Maine Celtic Festival and Belfast Free Range Music Festival. Restaurants featured in the New York Times dot the lively waterfront, along with local bookstores, shops, a library and theater.School District
Belfast is part of Regional School Unit (RSU) 20; its middle school, Troy Howard, has a student greenhouse that serves among other venues the renowned Belfast Food Coop. The town also has a Montessori elementary school and thriving homeschool cooperative. Within a half-hour drive lie the Ashwood Waldorf School, Tanglewood nature center, and other alternative education options.Community
Surrounded by 140 acres of active farmland, the ecovillage is home to a diverse population of friendly residents, from doctors and teachers to farmers, boatbuilders, and retirees. Tools like lawnmowers and snowblowers are available to share, and neighbors are ready to lend a helping hand when needed. Children in this multigenerational village range from infants to college students; adults enjoy a wide variety of hobbies, including music, gardening, hiking, boating, bird watching, and the arts.Location of Home or Land
Rural
Elevation of Home
Sea Level
Air Quality
| Agriculture in Area | yes |
| Industry in Area | no |
| Air Pollution in Area | no |
| Pesticide Free | yes |
| Fragrance Free | yes |
| Cleaned with Green Products | yes |
Interior Environment
| Heating System | Electric Radiant |
| Cooling System | Passive Cooling |
| Ventilation System | Heat Exchanger |
| Whole House Filtration | Other |
| Whole House Vacuum | no |
Energy & Water
| Energy System | Photovoltaic (PV) |
| Water System | Well |
| Wastewater System | Septic System |
Construction Information
| Exterior Finish | Shingles - Wood |
| Interior Finish | Gypsum Board - Sheet Rock |
| Interior Paint | Low VOC |
| Floor Material | Concrete |
| Roof Material | Metal |
| Window Material | Other |
| Insulation Material | Other |
Garage / Car Port
| Garage / Carport | no |
| Garage Type | attached |
| Number of Cars | 1 |
