O'Neil Fine Builders :: Crown Harbor

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CrownHarbor is a residential development firm capitalizing on the surging interest in Green Building and the real need for distinctive residences by building uncommonly energy efficient homes. To exceed standards for environmental responsibility and building performance, CrownHarbor has entered a strategic partnership with O'Neil Fine Builders, the premier Green Builder on Boston’s North Shore. With expertise in designing, building and investing in real estate, CrownHarbor and O'Neil represent a uniquely integrated development team.

Our Vision:
Homes that are super-efficient, durable and elegant.
Every home we build is healthy to inhabit, inexpensive to maintain and inspiring to be in. Using materials carefully selected for energy efficiency, durability and environmental impact, CrownHarbor residences exceed any baseline performance criteria anywhere, and repay their owners in health and energy savings.

Green Building Commitment
Our Ethics govern all construction.
Every CrownHarbor project is built according to O'Neil's Ethics for Environmental Stewardship. From this platform, we provide clients and investors with healthy, environmentally-responsible alternatives, designs and products based on our experience and Green Building best practices. For speculation projects, we abide by our Ethics, detailed below, and use locally appropriate materials, styles and strategies, based on the unique dynamics of the project.

Materials
Advanced Building Technology, Energy Efficiency, Durability and Human Health
CrownHarbor builds with a variety of materials that enhance the integrity of the building envelope and slash heating, cooling and maintenance costs. Here are some of our essentials:

ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms) represent the core of CrownHarbor's building strategy. ICFs are a major factor in certification in all three triple "Code-Plus" programs (EnergyStar, LEED and Fortified...For Safer Living). More durable, energy-efficient and cost-effective than any other building technology on the market, ICFs are essentially a hollow insulated form that holds concrete and re-bar for an uncommonly sound building envelope. ICFs do not off-gas any harmful chemicals and CrownHarbor chooses products manufactured with significant recycled polypropylene content.

- US Dept. of Energy: "ICFs can cost up to 4% more than standard wood framing. However, houses built with ICF exterior walls require an estimated 44% less energy to heat and 32% less energy to cool than comparable frame houses." US Department of Energy - Building Technologies Program 2008

SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) are high-performance thermally-efficient panels for walls, ceilings and floors. Panel sizes vary according to the project and are essentially a core of insulating material like expanded polystyrene sandwiched between two 'structural skins', like plywood or oriented strandboard. Inexpensive to install and incredibly durable, SIPS are rapidly gaining favor among builders and homeowners. SIPs do not off-gas harmful chemicals and significantly boost the energy performance of a structure. Please see Appendix A for more resources on SIPs.

Sustainably-Certified Wood - We prefer to use wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and do so when possible. The FSC is a nonprofit organization devoted to the responsible management of the world's forests. FSC Certification ensures that landowners and companies selling forest products have practiced forestry consistent with FSC's rigorous standards.

EnergyStar Appliances and Systems - Wherever possible, we install the most efficient appliances and systems on the market, generating big savings for the homeowner and the environment.

Minimal carcinogens and toxins in paints, finishes and adhesives - The chemicals used in conventional construction have left a legacy of asthma, cancer and disease among builders and homeowners. CrownHarbor chooses such materials very carefully, with an eye to human health at every step. We involve clients and investors in these decisions and train our staff to make responsible purchases. There are too many alternatives to list here -- for more information on our product specification methodology.

Opportunities
CrownHarbor's Investment Opportunities
With low land prices and astronomical energy bills, this is a remarkable time to be building the homes of the future. To join CrownHarbor’s investment partnership or to learn more about our unique distinction and energy-savvy projects, feel free to connect with us.

131 Rantoul Street, Beverly, MA 01915 - 978.927.7711 - Fax 978.927.2173