40th annual Sewickley House Tour features net zero home

A Sewickley couple transformed a row of neighborhood garages into a net zero home, meaning the residence makes as much electricity as it uses.

“We were driven by energy savings,” said Greg Kaminski, who owns the house with his wife Susan. ”We are climate change people. We want a low carbon footprint.”

The couple hopes to inspire more residential interest in this style of living when guests visit their home May 3-4 for the Welcome to the Village: 40th Annual Sewickley House Tour.

Presented by the Child Health Association of Sewickley, the event features six Sewickley homes, ranging from historic to new, to raise funds for children’s charities across western Pennsylvania.

The addresses will be given out on the days of the tour. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The couple began construction in May 2021 and moved in last summer. This is their third home in the area. They like this location because it is close to shopping and other amenities in the quaint, upscale neighborhood.

The low carbon footprint starts at the top with the Tesla solar roof — the same sustainable energy company known for electric cars. It is less expensive than a metal roof with solar panels, Greg Kaminski said. The roof has active and inactive shingles. The active shingles convert sunlight into energy for a home while the inactive shingles act as regular shingles.

One of the first noticeable details about Greg and Susan Kaminski’s place is the Shou Sugi Ban wood treatment on the exterior — a material made using a Japanese method of charring wood to protect it from the elements and insects.

The first level is an open floor plan. “We do a lot of entertaining so we wanted to maximize the space,” said Susan Kaminski, who calls the design a mid-century modern style.

The home has plenty of windows that allow for natural light and the heat of sun. It uses radiant heat, which conducts warmth through the floor. There are several zones throughout the home to heat different temperatures.

A little over 3,000 square feet, the house has floors fashioned of white oak from Allegheny Mountain Hardwood in Emlenton, Pa.

The couple collaborated with advisors and craftsman including Pittsburgh-based Rich Hoadley of Hoadley Artisan Surfaces, architect Robert Gaskill and Eco-Land Designs.

“The modern technology market is interesting,” Greg Kaminski said. “I love talking to people about this because I love the technology. It is about sustainability for us. Maybe someone on the house tour will be inspired to do this. We want this to be more residential friendly.”

Each residence offers a glimpse into Sewickley’s architectural heritage and the timeless craftsmanship that defines this picturesque community, said Laura Cherock, co-chair for the Child Health Association fundraiser in a statement.

Child Health Association of Sewickley was founded in 1923 by four women who wanted to provide milk to undernourished children. Since its inception, Child Health has raised more than $5 million.

“With every ticket purchase, attendees not only enjoy a memorable experience but also contribute to vital programs and services that support children’s health and wellness across our region,” Cherock said.

The couple loves being part of the house tour.

“This is such a good cause,” said Susan Kaminski, a past president and associate of the Child Health Association. “It helps raise money to give grants to organizations that help children. We want to help.”

Tickets are $50 and are available online at childhealthassociation.org. Tickets can also be purchased during the House Tour at the Faith House, located at 202 Beaver St., Sewickley. Children under 8, including infants are not permitted on the tour. The ticket is valid for both days but only one visit per home.