Reimagined Cape

LEED For Homes Platinum Certified

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