The Forever Home: Going Green is the story of the remodeling of Iris Harrell and Ann Benson's beautiful home in Portola Valley, California. Iris, who owns Harrell Remodeling in Mountain View, has remodeled hundreds of kitchens, bathrooms, and homes for other people over the years. This time the remodel is for her and Ann. They're celebrating their legal marriage in California after over 28 years together.

Their home is not only exquisitely designed. The solar panels on the roof, the foam insulation that transforms their place into "an igloo ice chest," the recycled fixtures and doors, the carefully regulated use of water, and the integration of universal design, make their forever dream home a model of green efficiency.

(Pam Walton) (Home for Iris and Ann)

The Forever Home: Going Green is the story of the remodeling of Iris Harrell and Ann Benson's beautiful home in Portola Valley, California. Iris, who owns Harrell Remodeling in Mountain View, has remodeled hundreds of kitchens, bathrooms, and homes for other people over the years. This time the remodel is for her and Ann. They're celebrating their legal marriage in California after over 28 years together.  Their home is not only exquisitely designed. The solar panels on the roof, the foam insulation that transforms their place into "an igloo ice chest," the recycled fixtures and doors, the carefully regulated use of water, and the integration of universal design, make their forever dream home a model of green efficiency. 

Reviewed by Justin Cronise, University at Buffalo, State University of New York  Recommended
5/10/2010 
Forever Home documents the award-winning remodeling project of an aging (and newly married) lesbian couple in northern California. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recognized the project with numerous awards for universal design and environmental friendliness. The production level of the film itself is fairly low (somewhat like a glorified home video), yet it is well-organized, concise, and informative. There is a slight narrative with the long-awaited formal marriage of the lesbian couple, but note that it is not a central aspect to this film.  The concept of “forever” refers to the homeowners’ desire to live in that home for a long time, and recognize the inevitable physical limitations that may occur as one ages. Following the principles of universal design, the house was remodeled for accessibility and usability by all individuals, seamlessly integrating accommodation for physical limitations in a variety of ways. For example, there are ramps – no steps – and an elevator so that individuals in wheelchairs can effectively use all levels of the house.  Also, they note that having to remodel only once greatly decreases the negative environmental impact that can add up quickly through new materials, energy used in production and shipping of materials, gaseous emissions, etc. The remodeling project creatively re-used and recycled as much of the existing materials as possible, and new materials were chosen with consideration for environmental impact. The house is completely powered by the newest and most efficient solar energy panels, and uses low-emission foam insulation to minimize heating and cooling.  Although some of the technology and methods used in this remodeling project may soon become outdated, the concept of the “forever home” that considers principles of universal design and environmental sustainability is likely to only increase in relevance and importance. As a short film, Forever Home is recommended in an educational context for high-school or low-level undergraduate audiences, as well as the general public, for an introduction to sustainable home design.