Recycled materials
Greenleaf specializes in using recycled materials. Several materials enliven the homes and each is unique depending upon the materials available. Greenleaf has used church pew seats and high school bleachers for stair treads. Deconstructed lumber and salvaged materials make up the structural components of many of our homes.  Slate chalkboard for counter tops, bowling alley lanes for eating bars, wire mesh screens from former bus stops are some the unique salvaged features Greenleaf utilizes.
 
Double-use materials
To minimize use of material, Greenleaf lets structural materials double as finish materials whenever possible. Concrete floors are polished and sealed but otherwise left unadorned. Recycled planks used as floor joists for the second story are often left open to view underneath; they look like rustic beams in the ceiling of the main level—something a decorator might order up at added cost. Baltic birch plywood, a high-grade, hardwood material, may double as the subfloor and finish floor.

Weigh the waste
With all of its emphasis on salvaging building materials, Greenleaf certainly doesn’t want to generate much waste of its own. Greenleaf assigns a crew member to weigh and documents all the discards—a sure way to keep them to a minimum.

Natural light
One striking feature in a home is the abundance of natural light. Light flooding the walkway that connects rooms can be a welcomed addition in the Northwest. The placement of window in a home can allow for light to be distributed to more than one space at a time.

Dare to be different
A few tilting surfaces can be a delightful surprises. Creative expression is encouraged. What works for one project might not be the answer in the next one.  Creative details might seem irrelevant to green building, but durability is an important “green” issue, and is more than just installing hard-wearing materials. It’s also about creating enduring design that sports an aesthetic durability.  One way to ensure good care over the years is to add features that people love.

Lessons learned:  

Who does what?
Greenleaf uses a three-stage process to work out the design of its buildings. The architect takes the lead in coming up with the building design but does not specify materials or trim. Once the plan is fairly well set, Greenleaf fills in the details by figuring out how much can accomplished with the recycled materials that have been collected. An interior designer then looks over the choices and points out places where the zeal to use old materials gets in the way of pleasing design.

Buy when you see it
The main complication with using recycled material is that there is only so much of it. If you run out of siding salvaged from a specific house, for example, you can’t just order more. And if you want a specific thing, you can’t necessarily find it for sale. Greenleaf solves these problems by buying what looks good when it’s available. “Then I ask, ‘How can I use it?’” Barger says. “That’s better than, ‘I need this—now find it.’” The downside of this approach is that it requires dry, safe space for materials. Not all builders are willing to invest in space for salvaged materials. The company has several storage areas and recently bought a lot so it can expand its inventory.

Used building materials stores

The ReStore
(206) 297-9119
www.re-store.org/ballard.htm

Second Use Building Materials
(206) 763-6929
www.seconduse.com

Earthwise Building Salvage
(206) 624-4510
www.earthwise-salvage.com

Recycled metal
Pacific Industrial Supply
(206) 682-2100

For More Info

•    Built Green – a residential green building program/rating system developed by the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties in partnership with Seattle;
www.builtgreen.net

•    King County Construction Works - provides free assistance and recognition to builders who recycle, reduce waste and use recycled-content building materials;
www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/greenbuilding

•    Seattle Sustainable Building Program – provides guidelines, incentives, and assistance to increase the environmental performance of buildings in Seattle;
www.seattle.gov/dpd/sustainability