Doerr Residence

Doerr Residence is the first LEED home in the community of Palmetto Bluff. All materials in the house are locally sourced, sustainably manufactured or contain recycled or recyclable content—or all three- a renewable cement siding, a recycled-content, reflective metal roof; highly reflective, insulated windows; and sliding shutters to keep out harsh summer rays. Passive cooling features such as cross ventilation, operable skylights, fans, enlarged eaves, trellises and thick local vegetation also reduce the need for air conditioning in warm weather.

The airy kitchen holds more eco-surprises, including three walls of windows for natural light, energy-savvy appliances, a recycled-content cement floor and particle board cabinets. The restaurant-grade gas stove includes an infrared oven that heats up to 800 degrees. Recycled stainless steel counters gleam, harmonizing with cream and eggplant walls coated with low-VOC paint. 

Under the closet floor, a gray water system uses run-off from both showers and laundry room to flush the home’s three toilets. As are the dual-flush toilets, low-flow showerheads and faucets, as well as skylights, reduce water and energy usage. The recycled-content counters look as if they’re made with indigenous oyster shells