Project Description

This was an existing cape located within easy walking distance of the amenities and services of downtown Ridgefield.  The project involved a gut rehab with sustainability as a prime objective.  The house was expanded by way of complementary additions to both sides and the rear, with extensive landscaping to create a private outdoor terrace area.  The home earned LEED Platinum certification, the first in Fairfield County and only the third in the state.

Type: Green Retrofit Renovation and Remodel of Existing Home

Special Features:

  • Main floor master suite with cathedral ceiling
  • Kitchen opens to informal dining area and Family room with cathedral ceiling
  • Formal dining room adjacent to kitchen
  • Separate au pair apartment over garage
  • See-through gas fireplace between Living Room and Library

Green Building Approaches:

  • Downtown location reduces need for driving
  • Stone foundation retained and insulated with 2lb spray foam
  • Existing 2×4 exterior walls retained and strapped with  horizontal 2×3’s to cut thermal bridging (TB) and insulated with 2lb high R-value spray foam
  • New 2×6 exterior walls framed at 24”on center and strapped with horizontal 2×3’s to cut TB and  insulated with 0.7lb spray foam
  • 2×12 rafters strapped with 2×3’s to cut TB and insulated with 0.7lb spray foam
  • Ground-source heat pump for space heating and cooling
  • All ducting located within thermal envelope
  • Energy recovery ventilation
  • Natural gas, condensing, tankless water heater
  • FSC certified white cedar shingle siding installed over Homeslicker drainage membrane
  • FSC certified framing lumber
  • FSC certified rustic cherry flooring
  • Rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation
  • EPA Water Sense certified irrigation system
  • Native plantings and limited lawn area
  • Permeable paver driveway