Prosperity Homestead is converting a 1950's residential home into an ecologically friendly estate using a design that reduces its carbon footprint and lowers energy needs.
When acquired, the property had suffered bad tenants who trashed the house and were a nuisance to the community. They hosted loud parties, a dog barking all hours of the day, and questionable guests.
The original owner did his best to maintain the property, including the original Coleman Oil Furnace, wooden windows, and wiring. Quality work done in the kitchen, second basement full bath, and den were destroyed by abusive tenants.
After the purchase in 2017, the property's condition made it difficult to rent. Short-term tenants were only an incremental improvement. Many repairs move forward towards an ecologically friendly low-carbon footprint home.
Plans include a modern HVAC, rainwater capture, regrading to reduce basement moisture, roof redesign with replacement, weatherproofing, and remodeling with energy conservation in mind. As funding resources are available, each project is an implementation of best practices.
Improvements have been slow but steady since the 2017 purchase of this property. Stay tuned for case studies, updates, and insights you can use to reduce your energy costs.
Successes include:
- Installation of computer-controlled HVAC system with modernized duct work. Adjustments to duct work better circulates cool air from the basement to reach EPA recommended EnergyStar temperature settings without use of air-conditioning.
- Removal and remediation of oil furnace, including sealing of 500-gallon original oil tank that had been leaking for years. An environmental remediation company certified remediation with the EPA, removing any contaminated soil.
- Changes in grade, landscaping, and correcting gutter slope to eliminate frequent basement flooding. A combination of old gutters and a sunken yard caused water to pool which would enter the basement. The problem was solved with oversized mulch beds, removal of bushes, and rehanging gutters.
- Reducing risks of further tree damage by clearing lot. After a tree on the house, shed, and two on the neighbor's house, the entire lot was cleared and regraded. Partnering with a Forester all timber was used on this no-burn site. Overtime, the property will be shaded by trees in a silvo-pasture configuration that attracts beneficial insects and birds.
- Modernization of homes electrical system. Overhead wiring was buried after replacing the breaker box with a modern higher capacity system with surge suppression. Original breaker and sub-panels were removed. The new system will make a full house rewiring easier and safer.
Services provided:
- Project Management,
- Procurement Management,
- Administrative Services,
For details about this project or a specific challenge your organization faces, contact our office to request MARTINSVILLE ECO-HOUSE resources. Operational training and support for your team are available.
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[EDITOR: Check out the 2019 Martinsville VA Eco-House project update. This project progression increases property values and reduces the home's carbon footprint.]