The Pine Project Remodel was an extensive retrofit and renovation that was completed in 2016, making this home more efficient, durable, comfortable, healthy and beautiful. All important aspects of sustainability!

The interior of the existing house was altered to create an open floor plan that is more comfortable and circulates air and heat more easily.

This new room where part of the porch used to be has south facing glass that brings in the winter sun.

Creating this new sunny, warm living space.

Spray foam was added to the underside of the roof, improving the R-value and also making the attic a conditioned space.

R-13 fiberglass batt insulation was added to the 2 X 4 walls.

The Owens Corning EcoTouch PINK insulation has at least 55% recycled content and is GreenGuard Gold certified, the highest certification level for low-emission products.

The old 80% efficient furnace was replaced with a new high-efficiency one.

Replacing an old furnace with a new one in an attic space can be tricky, because new units have a condensate line that can freeze in a typical unconditioned attic space. The spray foam in the lid of this home keeps the mechanical systems within conditioned space so this is no longer a problem.

The tanked water heater was replaced with this high-efficiency Rinnai on-demand model.

A smart thermostat was installed, allowing the homeowner to make adjustments to temperature remotely.

All the old appliances were replaced with higher efficiency Energy Star models.

Daylight from a solar tube not only saves energy, it provides a better quality light.

Another solar tube in the hallway.

Polished concrete mantel

Low flow fixtures like this 2.0 gallon per minute showerhead will reduce water usage in this home.

If you're interested in low flow fixtures for your home, look for the EPA WaterSense label. They use 25% less water than federal standards require, like this 1.28 gallon per flush toilet.

A rainwater harvesting system for landscape irrigation was installed, including a passive system directing water by swale to a rain garden.

The homeowner paid close attention to indoor air quality issues when having this retrofit done. This fantech Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) will provide filtered air from the outside in an energy-efficient way. It houses a heat exchanger that picks up heat from air being exhausted from the home; colder air coming in is then warmed by this heat.

Low and zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and sealers were used, like this soy-based floor sealer.

Products containing sustainably harvested or recycled components were selected, including cabinets made of Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood.

The doors met the requirements of numerous certifications for the use of recycled and renewable materials as well as for emissions.

The exterior impervious paving was replaced with pavers that will allow for rainwater absorption on site.

The existing exterior light fixtures were replaced with Dark Sky compliant ones that cover the entire bulb.