Bethesda: New home friendly to Earth, eyes
This new home near Chevy Chase has been designed as a "green" home. Built by Bethesda Bungalows, it showcases the latest in green products, technologies and building methods.
The home features solar panels, a geothermal HVAC system, LED recessed lighting, all Energy Star appliances, reclaimed glass and wood, a recycled composite roof, and many similar details.
The driveway is made of permeable pavers, which reduces stormwater runoff, and an under-load, single-car garage is wired for a plug-in electric vehicle. The yard is professionally landscaped with native plants which require minimal watering.
Inside the mahogany front door with a stained-glass inset is a floor of bamboo and ceramic tile. A coat room to the right has a built-in bench in front of a large closet. Just beyond is a powder room.
To the right of the foyer is an elevated room which could function as a living room, an office, or a music room, with sliding doors. The adjoining dining room offers a contemporary chandelier and crown molding. American cherry columns mark a step down that leads to the kitchen and the family room, which run along the back of the house.
A stunning, gas fireplace in the family room is flanked by wide windows with built-in cabinets below. The upscale kitchen features American cherry cabinetry with reclaimed glass doors and a breakfast nook with built-in benches. A center island has a prep sink, extra workspace, a bar-height counter with a Teragren bamboo countertop, cabinets and a beverage refrigerator below. The dishwasher and refrigerator have custom wood panels.
The stairs and railings throughout the house are crafted from Brazilian cherry. The second level features the master bedroom and two additional bedrooms, all with their own bathrooms, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, plenty of windows, and spacious closets.
The master bathroom has a steam shower, custom tile work, and a contemporary, European-style tub. A linen closet, storage closet and laundry room are located on this level as well. A spacious loft on the third level has a vaulted ceiling, triple windows, a large closet and a full bath.
The garage is accessible through a basement entrance with cork flooring; an antique, soapstone utility sink; and a storage area for coats and shoes. The lower level also includes a recreation room with built-in cabinets, an additional bedroom and a full bath with a recycled glass countertop.
A high-performance, two-tiered, home theatre features pillars of reclaimed American elm from a tree formerly in the front yard, and reclaimed, white oak floors on the upper tier.
Additional distinctive features of the home include mold-resistant drywall; humidistats in all bathrooms for controlling humidity and reducing mold and mildew; insulated foundation; a Vacuflow central vacuum system for improved indoor air quality; and an Energy Recovery Ventilator which provides fresh, filtered air throughout the home while minimizing energy loss. A Control Home Automation System, with a touch panel, controls audio, lighting, security and HVAC systems throughout the house.
This home is certified through the U.S. Green Building Council and the National Association of Home Builders/National Green Building Standard and the U.S. Department of Energy Builders Challenge.
Specialties of the house
Address: 5133 Fairglen Lane, Bethesda
Style: Bungalow
Lot size: 0.11 acre
Price: $1,875,000
Estimated taxes: $18,250
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5 full, 1 half
Contact: Jill Schwartz, Long & Foster Real Estate, 301-758-7224 Peter Guida, Bethesda Bungalows, 301-652-7299
Open: Saturday, Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
