Island Project

This stunning private summer home located off the coast of Connecticut incorporates the latest thinking in self-sufficient energy systems. Built on the mainland and then moved by barge to its island location, Evergreen constructed this stunning 4500 square foot gambrel colonial with the most weather resistant materials and coastal storm management structures available.

Early in the planning stages of the project, Evergreen identified a number of challenges due to the homes remote island location, including mobilization of the workforce and materials due to inadequate infrastructure, and productivity and quality concerns due to logistical and weather constraints. After careful consideration and investigation of alternative construction strategies, the decision was made to build the house offsite and then move it to the island. This approach significantly reduced project cost and the construction timeframe, and limited the challenging island-based aspects of the project to site work and the house move, but required a level of planning and capability very different than typical residential construction projects.

Site preparations required extensive coordination with governing agencies and to work within FEMA requirements, the existing grade for much of the island needed to be raised by two feet requiring more than 100 truck loads of fill. To meet potential wave pressures, the foundation required approximately 60,000 lbs of epoxy coated steel reinforcement and 25 truck loads of concrete. These materials were transferred to the island with the use of a military landing craft and other specialized material handling equipment taking great care to minimize environmental impact.

Fifty miles from the island, the house was constructed in New London, CT at a temporary jobsite. The nine month process occurred in parallel with preparing the building site to compress the overall construction timeframe. Prior to the move, the house was constructed to a level of approximately 95% completion including all interior and exterior finishes. Evergreen’s move team included 11 companies collaborating on engineering and technical analysis, rigging, barge and tugboat assistance, and permitting and insurance. Once ready, the house was moved down Long Island Sound and offloaded from the barge for attachment to its permanent foundation.

Drawing only fresh water from the mainland, the house is otherwise off the grid and fully self sustaining. The homes electrical system is powered by a photo voltaic collection and storage system which consists of roof-mounted solar panels, control systems, and battery storage. A propane generator and inverters provide secondary power for peak usage. Hot water is provided by a solar collection and storage system, and the homes lighting and appliances operate at the highest efficiency levels currently available.

The house blends traditional colonial architectural details with the widespread use of low maintenance green building materials. The homes exterior includes three levels of decks including the third story cupola which takes its architectural cues from historic coastal New England lighthouses.

For more information on this unique and innovative project please contact Evergreen Building Systems, LLC, Old Lyme CT at 860-434-6820.