One of a kind sustainable construction project
This weekend was full of anticipation and completed, what could be called “full-circle-excitement come to fruition” for those who have been keeping tabs on the GreenSpur construction team. Not so long ago, I brought word to you about the incredible opportunity that Mark Turner and his concept team were working on regarding a fully sustainable, green-built home constructed of Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS) and reclaimed materials.
This project is the first of its kind and is hopefully going to be one of many that will be replicated internationally as a model of sustainable construction that meets the needs of a true nest.
Flying into the Nest
Minimalism, with a true rustic elegance is what you find peering out at you as you make your way up the steep, curving drive to the Delaplane OneNest home set atop a perfect hill overlooking the foothills of the Shenandoah mountains. It is almost as if someone has called in the gentle fog to hover just at the top of the treeline for intrigue, mystery and sultry ambiance to pull you into the site. Recall those mystical tendrils of smoke that lure… that is what pulls you here…to something new and exciting.
Before you get to the site, strategically placed communal fire pits with site-found logs are hissing, popping and generating that delightful campfire smell and then there is that house. With the elevation of a classic barn marrying a contemporary sanctuary, OneNest sits there among newly planted native river-birch trees, nestled in yet peeking out. The patina of the tin a deliberate match to the brick-red rust of the seamed and painted hardi-plank that covers the SIPS.
The standing seam metal roof line is a delicate yet masculine balance to the reclaimed history that is woven into this home through the use of wood paneling straight from past cabin quarters of the John Marshall property. The facade wouldn’t be complete without the mirror image of floor to ceiling windows flanking a steeple like fireplace that is masoned in stone harvested directly from the site. Usable porches galore. Panoramic views of the fog rolling on and on across the pits and valleys of the foothills while the cows come home. A matching barn is just beyond the main house that has an awning wide enough for a classic riding tractor. Classic is right. This is just the exterior.
Getting Cozy on the inside
Delivering more inside, OneNest’s vaulted ceilings are welcoming and open, leaving one to be baffled by the thought that this space is one-thousand square feet. It could be thousands more; the trompe l’oeil affect of the grande windows to the view beyond pulls the eye out and into the distance. The living room has very functional usable built-ins and is open to the stunning kitchen with a wonderful amount of storage. The fantastic use of counterbalanced Connecticut-style pull down lanterns is just one more ‘trick of the eye’ and fun for the gorgeous space and means to draw the eye up to the loft space above which is the master suite.
Past the kitchen, a full bath, well appointed and glowing is to the left, and storage to the right. Beyond that, windows, again floor to ceiling brighten the space and pull in the outdoors while highlighting the spiral staircases to go up and up into the nest. Before heading up, a nosy poke into the crawl space reveals some more smart design, wine-cellar in the crawl built from galvanized metal buckets and wine-racks; a good use of space in an otherwise unusable crawl!
The second floor is home to the lofted main bedroom, which has a lovely view of the great wide yonder and can be conveniently enclosed with thoughtful curtains; wrapped around the far right of the bedroom is a little nook- great for reading, a dog-friend or maybe some lovely indoor plants for creating a nice indoor air quality. The master spa-bath is impeccable with an egg-shaped soaker tub, walk-in shower complete with rain head and well, it is simple, yet stunning. Plus, there is a fireplace above the bath. Nice… I
n the central stairwell, up once again, the next level houses the guest room with incredibly functional use of space, reclaimed wood and a sumptuous bathroom which is just incredibly well done. This OneNest space is an unbelievable four stories of beautiful, reclaimed, green living space built to help the owner truly nest in, living in what they need.





Nesting as a Trend
Why OneNest? Business partner, Arian Lewis, stated “this is something that can be replicated in any country across the world. I’m currently talking with contacts in Malaysia to see about using our concept houses there.”
Lewis is the partner based out of the Oxford England team, who has been working on outreach to developing nations. These homes can be built anywhere. They are sustainable and don’t have to take up a lot of space or resources. Minimal or luxury finishes can be put into them and the product can be built an a relatively small amount of time.
Mark Turner, the brainchild behind GreenSpur and the OneNest project, said when asked what the biggest take away should be for the project, “Well, this was absolutely a labor of love and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I wanted to do something different that other builders weren’t doing and that would change the way things were being built in the construction industry.” He has proved it once before when he built a net-zero house on Capitol Hill, now he has done it again with the OneNest project’s first completed home, built in 100 days in Delaplane, VA.
Turner reminds us all that “OneNest is the context of everything in one world- a natural resting place.” Mark has also been quoted, “When I think about designing and building PLACE, I am inspired by Stegner’s quote, ‘There it was, there it is, the PLACE where during the best of our lives friendship had its home and happiness its headquarters.’ This 1000 SF OneNest Project is our team’s best attempt to capture this spirit. We are using radical approaches in design, materials and building science to capture that simple notion that we all universally yearn for: ‘happiness its headquarters.'” I love this about this team, they are so grounded in their since of duty to balance and harmony with nature, life and the elements.
What is Next for OneNest
Looking at their mission, Delaplane was a lovely place to select for the first part of this project’s journey. Just off of John Marshall Highway in historic wine country, this may be an idealistic “happiness headquarters.” The first OneNest will be open for extended stays as well as events for the next six months to continue to the conversation within the community and beyond about this intriguing and passionate design and building concept.
Where do you think we’ll see more of these beautiful, sustainable creations across the States and internationally? Start the conversation by making the visit.
Barry Cunningham
June 9, 2008 at 10:50 am
I love clutter..the more the better..this is a buyer’s market. Must be a satger’s nightmare…here’s the dig…
More clutter = Higher discount. So I love the clutter..I don’t mind cat odor or cigarette smoke or dingy closets…smells like money!
Teresa Boardman
June 9, 2008 at 11:49 am
that is why I must live in my house forever, it is too cluttered to sell. 🙂
Paula Henry
June 9, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Have you been inside my office – you could have written this for me today!
Otherwise – I like neat and orderly. When selling a home, sellers need to realize a buyer can’t see through their clutter. Clean, orderly and well kept will net them the highest $$.
As for my office – well – I may need a professional, or at least a full time assistant.
Jennifer in Louisville
June 9, 2008 at 2:00 pm
A great many persons don’t live in immaculately ordered homes – so if they see a prospective home that they are considering purchasing, and its orderly, neat, and well cared for – they “think” that if they purchase the home, that they will suddenly receive by osmosis a neat and orderly home as well when they move in. Clutter is great for buyers looking to make a deal. Neat is great for sellers looking to make more than they probably ordinarily would.
Ken Smith
June 9, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Timely post as my wife and I just had another discussion about my organization skills, or lack of them. A clean desk is a sign of insanity IMO, just a messy desk is driving my wife insane. Guess for the benefit of our marriage I will be spending tomorrow organizing the office.
Irina Netchaev
June 9, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Nickie, I’m off to get my four boxes… you inspired me to start working on my office closet! Talk about a bunch of supplies that I thought I would need, well… maybe I really will need them some day… I just don’t know… See my dilemma.
I do love the four boxes idea and giving away the box with “don’t knows” to a friend. 🙂
BTW, what a fantastic addition to AG! Way to go Nickie!!!
Ruthmarie Hicks
June 9, 2008 at 6:25 pm
My mother was the biggest clutter bug ever. When she passed away it took me 30 garbage bags a week for two years before I gave up and called in the professionals. Three dumpsters later, I vowed NEVER to let things get that out of control in my personal space….then….I went into real estate…and I have become my mother.
Susan Hilton - Texas Aggie Realtor
June 9, 2008 at 6:57 pm
It is also very difficult for someone who is dyslexic to clean out a room! The processes, organization and systems just aren’t there many times.
Carson C
June 9, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I can’t tell you how bad I am needing to hear this right now… I have a hard time finishing what I start before starting something new. This subject seems to be a recurring theme in my reading as of late. They say it’s a sign of creativity (thats my excuse for now). Good wake-up call.
Mariana
June 9, 2008 at 10:33 pm
This is awesome. unclutterer.com is another great resource for dealing with clutter on a day to day basis. Clutter happens and it is so nice to have tips. like yours, to help us (and out clients) manage it better. Thank you.
Sabrina
June 9, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Moving is a great time to clear up clutter, particularly moving to a smaller space. We moved from a large home to a 2-bedroom high rise, and it was a great time for getting rid of things. We had to streamline the household big time, and we feel so much more free.
Nickie Rothwell
June 9, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Barry, That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered… 🙂
T, What would St. Paul do without you?
Paula, I think every office needs an assistant…or a magic Genie that comes each evening while we’re sleeping and neatly files while we doze…
Jennifer, You nailed it on all points. Absolutely true!
Ken, It sounds like you two complement each other perfectly! Many find their desk to be their greatest challenge, but it sounds like have a great motivator.
Irina, Thank you so much! The four boxes really do work. The key is to move quickly, if you hesitate over an item, don’t put it in the keep box whatever you do!
Ruthmarie, Clutter and real estate seem to go hand in hand 🙂 I feel your pain working through your mom’s house full of clutter. I have a close family member with a serious clutter issue too, and it really is a difficult problem.
Susan, Yes, there are many different factors that can lead to severe issues with clutter. We’ve just touched the surface.
Carson, One step at a time. Start small. Find one area that seems to bug you the most and once you get that done, reward yourself! Every accomplishment is important! It will be that much easier to move on the the next spot. Think of something really great for when you have completed everything you set out to do!
Mariana, Thanks for the tip! It is great to have another resource! And you are right, “clutter happens”, we just need to manage it so it doesn’t get the best of us.
Sabrina, Moving is an excellent time to clear out extra stuff! I’m glad you brought up the point of how much freer you feel. Letting go of all those things you don’t really need takes a lot of pressure off and you will feel lighter.
Ken Smith
June 10, 2008 at 10:26 am
Nicki there is no question we compliment each other in many ways. In the areas I lack she excels and vis versa. Naturally this can cause issues as we each see the world with very different eyes. In the end we normally realize that the correct vision is somewhere between both of our ideal visions.