Underhill is one of the first green-roof homes in New Jersey: it will conserve energy, reduce stormwater runoff, and preserve habitat for plants and animals. Designed to support a full 12" of earth on its roof, it goes beyond simple green roofing to allow a full restoration of landscape over the top of it: shrubs, small trees, and other plants native to its woodland location. Sitting deep in a hi
llside, it has relatively low exposed walls - and those are built of native stone that we gathered on-site. Phase 1 of the project was built with our own hands, our own muscles and sweat, the help of friends, and $175,000 of our own money. We're past the halfway point in construction. Now begins Phase 2: well, septic, roof completion, doors and windows, waterproofing, and habitat restoration. Many of these elements are things we can't do ourselves (we don't know how to drill a 250' deep well!). We need $80,000 for this phase, and that's the challenge: because we're self-employed people building an innovative home, we can't get a bank loan to complete the project. By joining the project, you become part of a bigger picture. You're not only building a home that conserves energy, minimizes stormwater runoff, reduces the urban heat island effect, and maximizes habitat for plants & animals. You're also making it a little easier for the next green builder. Because next time, a bank can say, "Yes, we know this type of architecture. There's a house like that nearby - yes, we'll finance your green-roof home." go to http://igg.me/at/buildunderhill/x/1817452
