Green Shores | Case Studies
San Juan Island
Green Shores for Homes project
Project Overview
| Location: San Juan Island, Washington State | Project area: 0.49 acres |
| Year completed: 2011 | Awards: LEED, Energy Star, Built Green |
| Shoreline length: 240ft (73m) | Shore type: Marine, bedrock |
| Green Shores rating achieved: ORCA (Level 2) | Total points: 46 |
Site Description
This single-family residence is located on a rocky bluff overlooking Haro Strait on San Juan Island. The owners wanted to minimize their environmental footprint by building a LEED™ and Built Green™ ‐ certified home that is in recognition of the natural characteristics of the site. The design combines low impact site development with energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable materials use.
Project Team and Affiliated Organizations
- Director: Michael McNamara
- Contractor: Ravenhill Construction, Inc.
Project Objectives
- Reduce the environmental footprint of the development and obtain multiple ‘green’ certifications such as Built Green and LEED along with Green Shores.
- Develop the residence while best incorporating the natural characteristics of the site.
Work Plan
- During construction of the house, site disturbance was limited to approximately 30 percent of the total site area. Native soils and riparian vegetation were retained wherever possible.
- Installation of a green roof and pervious paving surfaces enhances rainfall infiltration.
Description of how the project meets Green Shores principles
> Maintained/ Enhanced Habitat Function and Diversity
- Native vegetation was retained or replanted throughout the property, and particularly within the riparian buffer.
- Many large trees and several snags were preserved.
- No overwater structures are installed, thus protecting both riparian habitat and shoreline processes.
> Preserved/Restored Shoreline Physical Processes
- Being a bedrock bluff, the shoreline is naturally erosion-resistant, and the house was set back from the top of the bluff enough (35 feet) to meet geotechnical requirements, making shoreline protection structures unnecessary. As a consequence, the shoreline and its associated physical features are left largely undisturbed.
> Ecological Services Provided
- Preservation of existing native vegetation around the residence provided sustained habitat for coastal flora and fauna.
> Shoreline Collaboration and Public Education
- Besides participating extensively In the GSH program as a pilot and training site, the project shares public information about its features on the Green Homes San Juans website. As previously mentioned, this home has been certified under Energy Star, Built Green™ and LEED™.
> Additional Notes
- To meet LEED specifications, the landscaping (mostly native plantings) is managed without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
