Description
This 2137 sf beautiful home with spectacular views of Palomar Mountain is one of 60 permitted straw bale homes in San Diego County. House was declared a Certified Green House by County due to energy efficiency features when permitted in 2003. Construction is post and beam with metal Hardy Frames and earthquake strapping. The design was certified by a structural engineer, and approved and permitted by San Diego County. Straw bales are used for insulation and are not a structural component. As well as being very quiet, straw bale insulation is very fire resistant and has an insulating value of R-30 or higher. Non-bale walls (those containing plumbing) are insulated with recycled cotton denim insulation that has been treated for fire and insect resistance. The house takes advantage of passive solar with a north/south orientation and extra deep eaves for warmth in winter and cooling in summer and to take advantage on the existing west to east onshore breeze. An efficient Carrier Performance series 5 Heat Pump System, air handler with MERV filter, and Nest smart thermostat was installed in 2023 and provides both heating and cooling. It is augmented by an ultra quiet whole house fan which provides energy efficient cooling when air conditioning is not required. A new extra long Kohler soaking tub, a new shower, tile, as well as new tub and shower enclosures were installed in 2024. Attic trusses in both house and garage provide ample additional storage space and easy access to the air handler. There is separate 288 square foot straw bale studio/workshop outbuilding with 50 amp electrical service and separate breaker box. The 596 square foot garage is extra wide. Minimum ceiling height is 9’ 6” with custom stained glass transoms above interior doors. Landscaping is primarily drought tolerate native plants, grasses and oaks. An owner-owned 4.48 kW solar power system with a Tesla Powerwall 2 battery storage was installed in 2021. The Tesla Powerwall was replaced under warranty in 2024. Other energy features include whole house surge protection, electric car charger outlet in the garage, dual propane/electric outlets for the stove and dryer, Solatubes for lighting in the hallways and one bathroom, ceiling fans throughout the house, two solar powered attic vents to augment the existing roof vents, and double pane low-E glass in all windows. The house is on a 210’ deep well with a 5000 gallon storage tank and booster pump. The well output was estimated at output 25 gallons a minute when it was originally drilled in 2003. The booster pump was replaced in 2020 and a new well pump was installed in 2025. There is shut-off system at the well that allows for the use of a generator (included with the house) to run the pump in the event of a power failure. Due to PH and high iron content in the water a whole house water filtration system was installed. The house was plumbed for a future grey water system. Septic system was pumped, tank stems installed, and the system certified in 2025. There are floor drains in both the laundry and mechanical rooms. Gutters and drainage system installed at exterior perimeters of house as well as irrigation. There is an outdoor shower. Fire mitigation features include a 4” hydrant connection to water tank adjacent to house, a stucco exterior, corrugated metal on underside of all eaves with metal mesh installed on all exterior vents including solar attic fans. Drywall panels are installed beneath roof vents as additional barrier in case of wind driven embers. Blown-in recycled newspaper insulation in the ceiling treated with fire retardants and borates and according to the manufacturer is 57% more fire resistant than fiberglass insulation as well as being insect resistant. Fire sprinkler system throughout interior of the house, including garage and attic spaces, as well as hard wired smoke alarms with battery backups.
