Energy-Efficient San Francisco Remodel by Jeff King & Co
Written by Euphrasia Carroll
Taking on a total remodel of a 19th century home in San Francisco might seem like a daunting task in any event, but adding the goal of going as green as possible makes this particular achievement especially noteworthy. When the owners of the 118-year-old house hired Jeff King & Co, they chose a general contractor with a commitment to green building and remodeling.
An article by Cheryl Weber featuring the project in Eco Home Magazine indicates that “There was never really a question that the new construction would be eco-friendly and energy-efficient, since company owner Jeff King has been committed to sustainable practices since 2004.”
What started as a modest plan to rebuild a central stairwell burgeoned into a major remodel, including floor-plan improvements and upgrades to the building envelope and mechanical systems.
“The project scope was ambitious, since making the structure bright and ultra energy efficient meant rebuilding it from the outer walls in,” writes Weber. “Throughout the process, material reduction and reuse was top of mind. An exposed ridge beam was plucked from an old army barracks. Dismantled lumber was relocated and reused throughout the project, including large timbers that found new life carrying bearing walls above new doors and windows.”
The remodel of the 3,600 square foot house was completed over a 15-month period. Based on the owners’ decision not to use drywall, all the interior walls were finished with plaster or wood – with some of the wood being salvaged from the house’s old redwood deck.
In the Profile section of the article, information about Jeff King and his company indicates that “one core principle on King’s remodels is to reuse as much of the dismantled lumber as they can on the new project. Discarded cabinetry, appliances, and the like are donated to a local non-profit salvage company, and clients get the tax write-off.”
Highlights of the project include:
- New cabinetry, custom made from FSC-certified poplar and covered in low-VOC paint or hand-rubbed natural oils.
- A 280-gallon Japanese hot tub occupies a separate zone on the radiant heat circuit. An ionizing purification system eliminates the need for chemicals, and the discarded water drains to a spigot, where it is used to water the garden.
- The hot-water delivery system was designed for maximum efficiency. The main plumbing trunk passes through the center of the house, minimizing the length of secondary pipe runs and, thereby, heat loss.
Eco Home’s complete article includes information about product and materials sources.
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