Perry Maric and Paul Brault gave a presentation about what measures were taken to construct the Brault/Moltzan home. This is a Gold LEED certified home built by Maric Homes but could have easily have been a Platinum level if it was situated inside the city giving access to city services. Every effort was done to get materials from local sources, or at least transported by the most environmentally favorable way. This was true for the wall studs, finish maple, windows, Tyndall stone, custom cabinetry etc. Paul has a binder at least 4” thick of all the invoices for the home. They accounted for all material down to counting nails.
The home has ~ 2,200sq.ft. on the main floor with almost the same on the finished lower level with walk-out. The concept for the home came from a book published by an architect in the Minneapolis area. Many of the features pictured in the very large lakeside home, have been used as guides for this house. There is a fair bit of Frank Lloyd Wright influence in both the model home and this finished home by design. Three featured ceiling lights were based on this original.The home is heated with mainly in-floor heating from a 7,500 linear foot geo-thermal coiled tube system in the back yard. These coils are buried ~7.5 feet below grade. The monthly natural gas bill is ~ $3.00 (+ $14 Basic Charge). Summer A/C must be done using conventional means. Windows are placed to get the most out of thermal heating as well as a lack of windows along walls that would tend to be cold in the winter. Thermal window coverings are also present – set on timers. The floor coverings are all hard surfaces for long term durability.
The house is so air tight that an air exchange is mandatory. This includes a heat exchange system as well. The plumbing in the home is all situated in one area so that the hot water pipe runs from the tank (in the lower level) is never more than 15 feet. The walls are made with 6” studs with an additional 2” of ridged foam on the outside before the exterior finish was applied. This made it necessary to build-out each window and door casing with a custom 2” extension. The way that the finish carpentry was done actually makes the thicker walls look appealing due to the standard reveal line incorporated with the 2” extension.
Catherine and Paul provided coffee as well as dessert plates for an enjoyable finish to the evening. The tour was greatly appreciated by all that attended.