HOLISTIC HOMES

Green construction is a key strategic component in the worldwide battle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change.

U.S. buildings account for one-third of total energy usage and two-thirds of electrical usage. And of course, burning coal generates more than one-half of U.S. electricity. Construction in the U.S. consumes one-fourth of all wood harvested. Worldwide, building construction uses 3 billion tons of raw materials annually. One-third of the content of U.S. landfills is construction waste.

Enter the green building industry. Two main principles of green construction involve using recycled materials and utilizing renewable resources to supply the energy needs of the building. HOLISTIC HOMES – a green construction firm based on Long Island’s East End – is building a new home in Bridgehampton at 1188 Scuttle Hole Road which embodies these principles of environmental conservation and sustainability.
The magnificent 8300 SQ FT main structure sits on 2.5 acres and is being built following the guidelines of green construction, sustainable energy, and renewable resources.

The frame is composed of 300- and 200-year-old beams, recycled from buildings throughout the Greater New York area. The house is built of cedar and the decks are built of mahogany. The garage doors will be 100% wood. Wood finishes – used to preserve the look and life of these precious materials – are made of nontoxic bases. Penofin Oil is used for the cedar and Cabot’s Decking Oil is used for the mahogany.

Radiant heat throughout the first floor will be provided by a tank-less water-heating system. This system will also satisfy the ambient heating requirements for the second floor. A forced-air HVAC (heat, ventilation, air-conditioning) system will back up the radiant heating and serve as the primary system for cooling.

Comfortable temperatures throughout the house will also be obtained via well-designed and optimally located window systems and natural air flows. Pella Superwindows will be the key to cooling indoor temperatures in summer and warmth in the winter.

The rear facing of 1188 Scuttle Hole Road is oriented westward. The beautiful Long Island sun sets over the house. The rear outdoor deck features a stone fireplace and tropical stone flooring. The stone floor’s bright pastel colors – roses, teals, and burnt-oranges – highlight and complement the tonal range of the surrounding countryside.

The rear outdoor deck offers the healthful benefits of being outdoors while maintaining the feeling of being in a house – much like the ambience of sitting at “Rick’s” long bar in Casablanca.

The backyard itself will be paved in native stone, continuing the HOLISTIC HOMES mission of minimizing a building’s carbon footprint.

The huge free-form pool is being built with a negative (vanishing) edge for natural and improved filtration. All electrical and heating requirements for the pool will be provided by renewable energy – solar collectors mounted on the roof of the pool-house. Salt water and other non-chlorine alternatives are being considered for pool maintenance.

The 800 SQ FT pool-house is a combination cabaña and guest-house, including a sauna, steam bath, lounge area, and kitchenette.

The array of outdoor amenities includes a waterfall and a koi pond, offering the Feng Shui (wind–water) benefits of tranquility and inspiration.

In addition, the second floor of the main structure features a 200 SQ FT flower and vegetable garden. The garden will provide highly nutritious, locally grown produce, as well as natural insulation for the building’s interior. The garden benefits the local ecosystems as well, by cooling the microclimate, purifying air and water, and removing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

1188 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton, NY represents the very best in green construction and sustainable building practices. Building in harmony with nature, the aesthetics of the structures complement the beauty of the land. The aesthetics of the green spaces enhance the beauty of the living spaces.