Green Homes and Gardens Tours
Upper Keys
Hammerstrom/Marshall
10am |
11am |
Noon |
1pm |
2pm |
3pm |
A Key Largo home with 2.8 kW PV system, 7,500-gallon cistern, energy-efficient windows and French doors, bamboo floors, energy-efficient appliances, low-flow water faucets, native landscaping with drip irrigation, no- and low-VOC paints, ventilation fans, compact fluorescent lights, high-SEER air conditioner, long overhangs to keep the sun out, white metal roof, solar water heater, operable transom windows, cupola with operable windows, formaldehyde-free insulation, salvaged materials.
Muench
10am |
11am |
Noon |
1pm |
2pm |
3pm |
A Key Largo homeowner who, without a background in energy technology or previous “green credentials felt the desire to take advantage of the abundant sunshine and concurrent need for reduced energy consumption. They retrofitted their house with a 4 kW grid-interconnected photovoltaic electric system with battery backup, white reflective roof paint, interior insulation of concrete roof, double glass tinted sliding doors, louvered windows to generate airflow through house regardless of weather, wide overhands to shade walls, doors, windows, especially those facing south, all energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient air conditioning system, low-wattage light bulbs, adjustable and reversible fans.
Marathon
Williams
10am |
Noon |
2pm |
Bob Williams is owner and manager of Sea Air Land Technologies (SALT) in Marathon and has designed systems and structures for many homes in the Keys, Bahamas and beyond. As featured in the Keynoter, the Williams house strives to prove that designing with your climate in mind can greatly affect your reliance upon “necessities” like air conditioning.
Jones
11am |
1pm |
This is an energy efficient new home owned by a county employee and Master Gardener. Rich Jones was a step ahead in the game when he designed his ultra-energy efficient home with a 2,500 gallon cistern, solar water heater and a “cool-by design” architectural layout. Rich’s electric bill during the summer averages about $50 and in the winter about $20. The water bill averages about $20. It’s also personally energy efficient: with no water guzzling lawn, Rich doesn’t have to spend his time mowing.
Welber
1pm |
2pm |
3pm |
This home has been retrofitted with a solar hot water and a solar heated hot tub. It also demonstrates the use and water conservation possible with three rainbarrels, what can be done with two composters, and the simplicity of all native planting.
This home has been retrofitted with a solar hot water and a solar heated hot tub. It also demonstrates the use and water conservation possible with three rainbarrels, what can be done with two composters, and the simplicity of all native planting.
This home has been retrofitted with a solar hot water and a solar heated hot tub. It also demonstrates the use and water conservation possible with three ra
No Name Key
Two Turtles
11am |
2pm |
“Two Turtles” is a totally solar electric home that was purchased in 1992. At the time of purchase, there were a handful of solar panels on the roof wired directly to one battery and a water pump. The owners were long time sailors and assembled a basic solar system that met their needs for short visits. As the length of stays grew, they improved the system so that it now supplies all their electrical requirements.
Dome House
Noon |
3pm |
The very well insulated fiberglass “Dome House” was built in 1990 and has a 2,300 sq/ft wrap-around porch, and 13,500 gallon cistern. A 6.7 kW Photovoltaic Array, makes it one of the larger residential PV systems in South Florida. On sunny days, the PV system handles the 3 ton Trane A/C(SEER 18), recharges battery bank from previous nights usage and produces enough additional energy to power the rest of the house including a small office and 2 freezers. At night, system operates from a 24V battery Bank, 2,500 AmpHour capacity. Power is supplied by Two Xantrex 4,000 watt inverters wired in series which can produce 8,000 watts at 240v AC. Water is supplied by a 24V water pump. Note: This will be an in-yard tour only, since it is being shown by the designer, not the owner. All features are visible from the outside.
Newton
10am |
1pm |
The Newton’s home demonstrates what can be accomplished living with a cistern as the only water source. Both Jim and his wife are part-time gardeners and their yard has a mixture of native plants as well as a modest orchid house. The PV system produces less than 1½ kilowatts, but is adequate to sustain a wide variety of electrical demands with the backup of a 20 KW generator set that operates at a low noise level. The generator also powers the homes 3 ton central air conditioner and provides a full battery charge during a cycle of the AC unit. The handy clothesline is used for most clothes drying, but has a backup gas clothes dryer. There is also an ongoing project to install a solar hot water heater, but they currently use a gas hot water heater for primary water heating. Note: This will be an in-yard tour only, since all solar equipment is in, or on top of, or in a four by eight out-building allowing for easy viewing.
Big Torch Key
Hoeft
10am |
11am |
Noon |
1pm |
2pm |
3pm |
As peaceful and remote as you can get, the Hoeft home has solar photovoltaics panels with battery storage and line load; an inverter; 12volt appliances; a generator backup; and cistern water storage. Plan time to enjoy getting to the end of the road – it will take about 15 minutes once you turn off US1.
Key West
LEED Building: The Eco-Discovery Center
10am |
11am |
Noon |
1pm |
2pm |
3pm |
Located at the end of Southard Street, across the street from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, stands the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary administrative building and Eco-Discovery Center. The tour will include an explanation of the LEED certification process as it relates to the design, construction and operation of the Complex, including the green roof and the lessons learned, cistern water for toilets native landscaping and water management features. The tour will be conducted be Leigh Espy, Chief of Staff, who will also address sustainable growth or recycled materials in construction, decorating and furnishings selection as well as climate control and energy conservation features. This tour also offers the opportunity to tour the Eco-Discovery Center next door, which will be open just for the tour.
LEED Building: National Weather Service
10am |
11am |
Noon |
1pm |
2pm |
3pm |
NWS Key West holds a LEED Silver rating, and each of the award categories for which rating points were obtained will be explained
and/or shown. These include: Recycled materials in the construction of the facility, energy use reduction in HVAC and other support systems, stormwater runoff reductions and native plant restoration onsite, a cistern for landscaping and restroom graywater use, noise reduction in design, and various other elements. A brief explanation and of the critical role our facility plays in the community during both routine and hazardous weather will also be given.
Note: The tour will include an optional climb up 2 1/2 flights of stairs to our balloon launch facility. This provides a survey of the site, including of the light and runoff mitigation techniques.
Keys Gardens
Keys Garden: Mull
Drop in anytime, 10am - Noon |
The Mull garden won the 2001 Florida Native Plant Society’s “Design with Natives Award”. Stroll with Master Gardeners through gardens planted with native plants and learn how you can conserve water with vegetation that requires less watering, less fertilizer and less maintenance.
Keys Garden: Gordon
Drop in anytime, 1pm-4pm |
The Gordon Garden is recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat through the National Wildlife Society. Stroll with Master Gardeners through gardens planted with native plants and learn how you can conserve water with vegetation that requires less watering, less fertilizer and less maintenance.
Keys Garden: Robinson
Drop in anytime, 1pm-4pm |
Designed by Ray Jungles, this 7-acre garden Condominium is a must see. Stroll with Master Gardeners through gardens planted with native plants and learn how you can conserve water with vegetation that requires less watering, less fertilizer and less maintenance