All of the materials in the house were selected based on their environmental impact, cost and general appropriateness in their application. The structure itself is approximately 25 percent strawbale construction and was the first strawbale house to be approved by the city of Prescott. Cast earth walls, which are three times stronger than adobe, were used in the passive solar sun-room and cast earth plaster was applied to the bedroom and great room walls to provide a natural aesthetic and eliminate the need for sheetrock texture and paint. Standing right outside the front door, no one would suspect a 4,000 gallon fiberglass tank is beneath his or her feet. Out on the back porch, which is made from TimberTeck, a material made from recycled plastic bags and sawdust, Brad points out his constructed wetlands, which will treat up to 150 gallons per person of sewage per day.
Wastewater treatment is a very energy intensive process.
The wetlands plants' roots create the optimum environment for bacteria, which break down pathogens and pollutants. The wetlands create habitat for birds and animals and it's a beautiful landscape feature. The effluent from the system is of drinking water quality when it percolates back into the soil. Inside, locally harvested Ponderosa pine, which had been cut down for the development of the Hassayampa Golf Course, has been used for flooring, the staircase, and for some doors and ceilings. National Forest Stewardship Council certified sustainably harvested Douglas fir wood was used for all of the wall frames.