This redwood and glass contemporary home was designed by architect Keith Franc in 1979.
Renovations have been completed utilizing green building concepts to support a healthy lifestyle and a sustainable environment.
The roof was raised four inches to allow heat to dissipate in summer and prevent heat loss in the winter. A passive solar solarium streams daylighting throughout the top floor, and four skylights greet the sun, moon and stars.
Natural knotty pine with
Douglas Fir beamed ceilings
soar up to 15' high on the top floor.
Doors, windows, and skylights are screened with Suntek fabric to absorb heat and glare. Double windows made with 3/4" laminated glass add significant sound-proofing; soundproofing was also added between floors.
The top floor is air-conditioned, allowing all floors to stay comfortable as hot air rises from lower floors to be cooled. A whole house exhaust fan on the top floor clears the air in minutes if needed.
On the inside, energy efficient technology provides extraordinary air quality. Fresh air is brought in and moved through a closed combustion furnace and
an air filtration system to remove dust, chemicals,
mold and other particulates.
The commitment to green is not just on the surface, laboratory testing was done to uncover hidden pollutants and remove them. Additionally, all pesticides and herbicides have been eliminated, replaced by bio-integrative pest management techniques.
Custom handcrafted finishes are made with natural
materials including quartzite, granite and marble;
sustainably forested woods including redwood, Douglas fir, red oak and poplar; and metals, aluminum, stainless steel and copper; as well as glass replace laminates, particleboard and plywood. Paints are no V.O.C. paints from AFM Safecoat and Benjamin Moore.
Native landscaping is supported with with an
automated drip irrigation system. Exterior LED lighting gently lights a path down exterior stairways and entryways with dusk to dawn timing. .Life is harmonious in this hilltop home located in San Rafael, 18 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
