Donald White always had more than a mental photograph of his dream house. He had the complete design. He did not just see the tall, airy ceilings and the crystal clear windows that showcased the incredible waterfront view. He saw how those features would conserve energy, a major focus for him.
“[Energy is] just something I’ve always loved and thought about,” White said. “I’d talked about [building the house] for years and just said, ‘I’m doing it.’”
In December 2008 White’s dream house took shape, completely built and ready for his family. Almost three years later, however, the White family decided that it would be best if their assets weren’t tied to one property, meaning the house is now for sale.
This $2.1 million “green” home is a rare find on the market, said its realtor, Patrick Stracuzzi of the Patrick Stracuzzi Real Estate Team at RE/MAX of Stuart. The home not only sits on a prime location with its waterfront view of Stuart, but it was also meticulously designed to be eco-friendly.
Stracuzzi described it as “a home built to the highest of standards.”
Before building commenced, White researched his dream even further. He attended building shows and read any and every piece of information on energy-efficient homes. When he was satisfied that he had what he needed, he began searching for workers. He had to be his own contractor – no builder truly understood his idea of a “green” home.
“The amount of stuff [on energy efficiency] that’s out there is huge,” White said. “It’s amazing how many people are not aware of it.”
One of his favorite aspects of the house is its airtightness. Six inches of concrete were poured into and around stacked Styrofoam cubes containing steel rods, which forms the walls of the house. The walls simultaneously keep air in and insulate the house.
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