Dorris Construction Recognized for Building Environmentally Friendly Home
The home of Tom & Kathy Carstens in Applegate, OR, designed and built by Dorris Construction was given the Earth Advantage Platinum Certification. This is the highest level of certification awarded by the Earth Advantage Program, a green building program in the Pacific Northwest that works with builders and developers to bring the most energy efficient, sustainable and healthy homes to the market.
The City of Ashland OR and the Earth Advantage staff were so impressed with the home, that they nominated it for the 2007 Energy Value Housing Award, which earned it an Honorable Mention in the Moderate Climate/Custom Home category. Judges for this award considered it an "excellent example of an integrated package using advanced and alternative technologies." Dorris Construction was praised for using "the kind of individualized approach you'd hope for in a custom design." One judge was most impressed that the homeowners' total electric bill for June 2006 was $3.42. He said, "I love it!"
Dorris Construction's plans incorporated a number of environmentally sound, energy efficient, durable and healthier indoor-air measures and systems, including:
- Insulated concrete forms for the walls
- Structural insulated panels for the roof
- Ground source heat pump
- All ductwork inside the heated space of the house
- Heat recovery ventilator
- Solar hot water system
- Solar electric panels to generate electricity
- Extended roof eaves to reduce solar heat gain
- Energy efficient windows
- Madrone hardwood and tile floors
- Non-VOC paints
- 80% recycled jobsite waste
Gary Dorris, owner of Dorris Construction, was inspired by this project to alter the way he views all home construction. He now believes any home can be energy efficient. With the proper planning and preparation, Dorris Construction can also keep any additional construction costs to a minimum.
Using the methods employed by Dorris Construction, any home-owner can attain the comfort and peace of mind of owning an environmentally friendly home. The use of non-VOC paints and flooring materials improve indoor air quality, reducing headaches, sickness and allergies. Solar hot water systems and electric panels reduce or eliminate energy costs. Not to mention, reduction of construction site waste results in more cost-effective building techniques as well as the conservation of natural resources, thus saving energy and water. Dorris Construction's methods and philosophy now make these desirable qualities available to everyone in the home building market.
Gary and his team of professionals would love to talk to those interested in or thinking about building or remodeling a home. Consultations are available by appointment. Gary is also open to participating in radio and television discussions, forums, and community events. For more information, contact the Dorris Construction offices directly.
Click here to see the article in the Southface Journal.
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