What makes your home a Green or Healthy Home?
Simply described, the straw bale home features regionally sourced materials, energy-efficient appliances, passive solar design, and a grid-tied solar PV system. Natural products and materials are consistently utilized in the home. The property has been spotlighted numerous times for its design: in Catalyst Magazine's April 1997 issue, the home was featured in a beautiful article entitled "Building A Home: Material to Live With;" the next year, the home was included in a "Guidebook to Utah's 1998 Tour of Innovative Homes" in conjunction with the American Solar Energy's National Tour of Solar Homes. It was featured in the book "Strawbale Home Plans," by Wayne J. Bingham and Colleen F. Smith. On October 17, 1998, the homeowners welcomed ASE's tour-goers and introduced them to the sustainable elements planned into the design: the passive solar orientation, concrete slab as thermal mass, roof overhangs, framing with recycled Douglas Fir from the Great Salt Salt trestle, straw bales from Dove Creek, CO (just over the State line), traditional stucco mixed using local sand, energy efficient large appliances including on-demand water heater. At that time, the grid-tied system consisted of just one solar panel; it has been expanded to 30 (8.2kW).Property Description
ECOLOGICAL SANCTUARY A harmonious balance of green living and extraordinary design in an amazing creekside setting, this astounding home provides a soothing retreat in the splendor of the landscape between desert and mountains. The home was custom designed by Kenton Peters of KP2 Architects, and has been featured in the book 'Strawbale Home Plans,' by Wayne J. Bingham and Colleen F. Smith. It was sited and designed in accordance with passive solar principles, and is rooted in the landscape in a gorgeous blend of xeriscape, native gardens, and rugged native trees, shrubs, and grasses. The post and beam construction features historic, certified Great Salt Lake trestle wood. The spaces are both intimate and immense, with vaulted ceilings, a perfect open floorplan, high clerestory windows, and exquisite artisanal finishes. Cork, tile and marmoleum floors provide a quiet, calm surface throughout. Recycled glass adds a delightful yet subtle play of color to the custom concrete countertops. The integrated buffet and entertainment area features Kirei Board, made of reclaimed agricultural fibers. Custom copper draw pulls, countertop base decorative features, and range backsplash were created for the home by local smith Desert Iron. The Great Room is a beautifully designed living/dining/kitchen space that flows seamlessly and is well-suited to both quiet evenings at home and gracious entertaining. The Master features an en suite bath and walk in closet with vaulted height for added storage. A window seat is flanked by gracefully built-in display shelves, and there is a walk-out to the patio. The second bedroom is finished with a lovely sitting nook and a perfectly situated Murphy Bed with gorgeous surround. The cast-in-place 75 foot heated indoor lap pool creates a stunning entry to the home, in a dramatic room flooded with natural light. Thoughtfully incorporated, a heat-exchange system was calculated and designed for the strawbale home to ensure the humidity remains in balance. The grounds are stunning, 9 acres of beauty with expansive patios surrounding the home, partially sheltered and partially open in accordance with passive solar design. The detached 2 car garage offers additional storage space. The 8.2kW grid-tied solar photovoltaic system works in harmony, generating much of the electrical need and further creating a haven of elegant, sustainable living. Glorious Pack Creek provides the perfect soundscape, with the soothing sounds of flowing water creating a restful backdrop from within the home and on the northern patios. A private trail leads you creek-side, for further relaxation in nature. Convenient to Moab, nestled at the base of the mountains, crafted in balance with the environment - a spectacular home! Rachel Moody, Broker; Real Estate Company of Moab
Neighborhood Description
Pack Creek is an area located to the south and east of downtown Moab, Utah. It is situated in the foothills of the La Sal Mountains, and beautiful mountain views are indeed matched by viewscapes of the red rocks. The area is nearly surrounded by public lands, and the subdivision includes deeded open space. The weather is slightly cooler year-round as compared with Moab. Town is a short drive away, as is the main highway, though the setting is very remote in feel.Market Area
Downtown Moab is a beautiful 25 or so minutes away by car. While Moab is a small town in a remote setting, it is also an international tourist destination and the home to National and State parks. Moab Regional Hospital is award-winning. There is a small airport; Salt Lake's international airport is about 4 hours' drive. Grand Junction, CO is two hours' drive and offers a regional airport (connections to Denver, Phoenix, Dallas) and "city" shopping resources (box stores, etc.).School District
The home is situated in San Juan County, but the County seat is located about an hour south in Monticello. Thus, students more typically attend Grand County Schools in Moab. There is an elementary school (K-6), middle school (7-8) and high school. There is a public K-6 Charter School. There are additional options with home schooling groups and so on.Community
Moab is one of a kind! A small, rural Utah town that is also the must-see destination for travelers from around the world. Moab offers a unique mix of long-established residents who have been here for many generations, as well as new arrivals each season who fall utterly in love with the landscape and community. Moab enjoys a very diverse population for a small Utah town, and there is a great "live and let live" feeling. We don't always agree about what's best for Moab, but we all care deeply.Location of Home or Land
Rural
Elevation of Home
Mountain
Air Quality
Agriculture in Area | yes |
Industry in Area | no |
Air Pollution in Area | no |
Pesticide Free | yes |
Fragrance Free | no |
Cleaned with Green Products | yes |
Interior Environment
Heating System | Hydronic Floor Heat (radiant) |
Cooling System | Passive Cooling |
Ventilation System | Other |
Whole House Filtration | Other |
Whole House Vacuum | no |
Energy & Water
Energy System | Photovoltaic (PV) |
Water System | Other |
Wastewater System | Septic System |
Construction Information
Construction Type | Straw bale |
Exterior Finish | Stucco |
Interior Finish | Cement Plaster |
Interior Paint | Low VOC |
Floor Material | Cork |
Roof Material | Flat |
Window Material | Metal Dual Glazed |
Insulation Material | Other |
Garage / Car Port
Garage / Carport | yes |
Garage Type | detached |
Number of Cars | 2 |
Garage Area | 576 sqft |