Wild Rose Meadow: 32 homes on 7 acres, Rosehip Road in Eastsound

Wild Rose Meadow is located off of Mt. Baker Road directly across the street from the Orcas Island Medical Center—about ¼ mile walking distance to the public school and town.  This is OPAL’s largest neighborhood, designed and constructed with an emphasis on energy efficiency and aging in place.

Homes range in size from one-bedroom, 740 sq. ft. to four-bedroom 1,720 sq. ft., with the greatest number of homes being two-bedrooms, about 940 sq. ft.

Low-Impact Development Features of the Neighborhood’s Site Design:

1. Pervious pavement and gravel pathways to reduce storm water runoff and increase water returning to the aquifer;
2. Compost amended soils created with top soil from and wood chips on site and used in landscaped areas;
3. Enhanced wetlands on site to increase bio-filtration and improve wildlife habitat;
4. 60,000 gallon underground storage of bio-filtered water for water gardens (via solar pump)–again, keeping as much water on site as possible to recharge aquifer.

Features of Wild Rose Meadow Homes;

1. Maximizes day light potential (balanced with privacy) to reduce electricity consumption.
2. Metal roofing for durability and reduced maintenance expenses.
3. Hardie cement-board siding (“lap”, board and batten, and shingle accent) includes recycled content, improved durability, and reduces maintenance/replacement cost.
4. Blown-in-Blanket (formaldehyde-free) insulation – R-21 exceeds code.
5. Solid Oak hard-wood flooring on main floor is more durable than carpet and reduces allergen/dust mite potential.
6. Where carpet is installed:  100% wool
7. Marmoleum (linoleum) in wet areas (kitchen, bath, laundry) greener than vinyl sheet flooring.
8. All-plywood cabinet boxes are durable, with no off-gassing.
9. Post-formed countertop reduces possibility of leaks (under back-splash) and water damage.
10. Toto maxi-flush toilet and reduced-flow fixtures reduce water consumption.
11. Noritz on-demand propane water heater saves energy (and water).
12. ConvectAir (radiant electric) wall mounted heaters (LivRm/DR) are quiet, efficient and eliminate fan-blown dust.
13. Propane fireplace installed to provide back-up to electric heat (in case of power outages) and ambience for homeowners’ enjoyment.
14. Energy Star rated appliances.
15. Reclaimed water (roof runoff) is available for irrigation.
16. Stub-outs for future option of Photovoltaic (electricity) and solar water (pre) heating capability.
17. “Energy Detective” installed to monitor (electric) energy use.
18. Lighting designed for CFL’s.