Offbeat Homes

West Coast Green: The mkLotus

by Jennifer Chait on July 25th, 2007

In case you haven’t heard, West Coast Green is coming on full force this year.

West Coast Green, the largest residential green building conference in America recently released it’s full line-up of presenters and exhibits for this year’s show taking place on September 20-22, 2007. The show, which will be held in San Francisco, has two days worth of educational programs for builders and designers in the industry and then allows homeowners in on the final day (wish I could go).

Sadly, I cannot go and I’m guessing this won’t fit into most of your schedules either. So I’m hoping that up until the show, I can bring some of what will be going on to Offbeat readers.

Starting with the mkLotus; designed by Michelle Kauffmann architect of the Sunset Breezehouse and built by XtremeHomes. The mkLotus is said to “feature the most advanced green technology and sustainable materials available on the market.”

I am not a fan of modular homes and I think this one is stunning. I love the colors and the raise on the roof. According to Kauffman’s site some components of the new very green design include:

• “Green “Living” Roof
• Solar Power: This Home Uses 100% Solar Generated Power
• Rain and Groundwater Catchment System: Collected Water is Used for Irrigation
• Gray Water System: Collected Water from Sinks and Shower is Recirculated to Toilets
• Exterior Siding: Low-maintenance, Long-lasting Integral Color Cement Board by Cembonit and FSC Certified Woood.
• High Performance, Energy Efficient Spray-in Open Cell Foam Insulation
• On-demand Water Heater
• Energy Efficient HVAC System”
  

Included green interior components include:

• Sustainable Layout for Maximum Cross Ventilation and Natural Lighting
• Rapidly Renewable Bamboo Flooring
• No-VOC Paint by Yolo throughout
• LED Lighting throughout
• Interior Sliding Door Panels by 3form: EcoResin comprised of 40% Post-Industrial Reclaimed Material

I don’t love the interior as much as the exterior; but I think I’m basing this on the white couch — obviously you’d bring your own furniture in.
One amazing point about this home is that the “Off Site Modular Technology” resulted in 50-70% less waste than if you build a home traditionally on site. Plus the neighbors don’t get mad with all the noise. (home building is very loud).

I love it. If you are going, you’ll get to see this home in person. West Coast Green, Extreme Green Homes, and Sunset Magazine are going to construct one of these high-performance green homes in front of City Hall and the Bill Graham Civic Center where West Coast Green is held.

Additionally, if you’re going, take a camera and send me some shots. Or maybe we should just organize a road trip. I’ll rent a pop-up and a truck and pick you all up along the way. But you’d have to live somewhere between Washington and California. Let’s see I think that leaves what, Oregon. Go Pacific NW!; sorry East Coasties.

For more information and extra photos of this beautiful home visit Michelle Kauffmann designs.

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POSTED IN: Alternative Construction, Architects, Conferences, Design Trends, Eco Style, Green Building, Green Style, Home Design, Modular, Recycled Materials, Renewable, Technology, Top Design, Urban