Sausalito Residence, Green Roof & Rainwater Harvesting

This custom Sausalito Residence features LEED elements, including optimum energy efficiency and passive solar, a living roof, a rainwater collection and storage cistern system, low flow fixtures and toilets, preservation of existing oak trees, use of local materials, subsurface drip and micro irrigation, and storm water reuse. Carlile • Macy provided civil engineering and landscape architecture for this low impact development. The living roof will reduce building needs for heating and cooling, provide retention of storm water on site for reuse, provide visual impact mitigation, and encourage wildlife habitat. Carlile • Macy's design of the storm water collection system diverts roof runoff to the cistern, located below the deck, where up to 4,000 gallons of water is stored. A pump from the cistern to the irrigation system allows the reuse of collected water to irrigate the landscape and living roof. The design of the cistern also benefits water balance of the site, storing the equivalent rainwater capture of the impervious deck and roof area, creating a zero discharge site. The design of the living roof incorporates native and low growing succulent plants into a modular drainage and reinforcing unit system. The green roof will soften the views of neighboring properties that look out over the new residence to views of the bay. The LID-based site landscape design highlights native and low water use ornamental plant materials selected to complement the architecture and local stone work, while enhancing the topography of the site. Landscape lighting was designed to minimize off-site light carry-over, while enhancing the dramatic forms of the existing oaks that front the yard and entry of the residence. Construction to be completed by winter 2011.