About Us
“Every resource we exhaust today, is a debt we impose on those who live tomorrow.”
Cascade Sustainability empowers land owners and professionals to build healthier, eco-conscious homes. We connect and inspire our community to embrace accessible, natural, and sustainable building practices. We work with the vernacular environment when sourcing materials and incorporating them into the buildings we build.
Chris Sullivan
Founder and Grunt Worker. Chris received his Business Administration degree with a focus on natural resource use and preservation from Northland College in Ashland, WI. His skill set was broadened through years of experience in the bicycle industry, a variety of construction endeavors, specialized installations, and, most recently, the successful completion of his own home.
Carly Sullivan
Founder and CFO. Carly holds a degree in Natural Resource Management from Oregon State University and now serves as Director of Risk Management for an international teen travel company. Her insight into human behavior and our relationship with the natural world guides her in creating meaningful, experience-enriching programs that inspire and empower future generations.
A chance to build differently.
Our new home at 55430 Big River Drive, situated directly across from the Deschutes River and National Forest, is a very meaningful place for our family. Great care was taken in the clearing of the land, the selection of building materials, and the construction process.
This shop and residence marks the first phase of a two-part, multi-generational vision for the property. We sought to harmoniously blend the natural environment, home, family, and purpose while living on this land.
Sustainable Highlights
Hands On Approach
Dense Pack Cellulose Insulation
Hands On Approach
This one acre property was a "Rec. Lot" in Deschutes County. We created a plan for the land which allowed us to develop the site for a multi-generational family.
While cutting the timber to create open space, I had ample time to think and listen to the land. Where would we sleep? Where would we grow our food? Where would we play?
While we haven't even moved into the home (2/26'), I do feel as though I've lived years in this space. Listen and learn. Then create and live.
Metal Finish
Dense Pack Cellulose Insulation
Hands On Approach
We decided to finish this building with a complete metal exterior "skin". Primarily this was done as a line of defense against forest fires. We created ample defensible space around the structure(s), but with metal clad windows and all wood wrapped in metal, we hope to never let a spark take hold.
Additionally, it is largely maintenance free!
This frees up future time to build the "Main" House" structure, and to work in the garden.
Dense Pack Cellulose Insulation
Dense Pack Cellulose Insulation
Our building uses double stud wall framing, which allows for 11" of wall cavity space where dense pack cellulose insulation can be blown in. In addition to an R-Value of 3.2/inch, it also creates a thermal break between the stud walls.
We chose to use Mountain Fiber, which is made from recycled paper, and Borate fire retardant. It is non-toxic, with no formaldehyde or glass fibers.
Using dense pack cellulose was pretty cost effective, as any of the work associated can be done by a novice... which it was!
Heating & Cooling
Built for What Matters
The basic wood stove had to be incorporated in our HVAC plan. Always available off grid, and fuel sources abundant around us, we will not freeze nor starve with a wood stove in the shop.
Additionally, we run a dedicated heat pump for the shop, as well as, the second floor. An ERV keeps fresh air circulating in the living quarters upstairs.
Grow Your Own
Built for What Matters
Built for What Matters
We've always enjoyed working and eating from the garden. Our kids enjoy seeing their food grow from a seed to a meal... doesn't mean that they'll eat it, but the concept is formed!
We're looking forward to helping this fairly poor soil become improved with the right assistance from Hugelkulture mounds. These will help absorb and disperse water to the growing plants in the mounds. We lack carbon in the soil, and the wood decay will add to it, as well as, allow mycelium networks to begin and spread.
Built for What Matters
Built for What Matters
Built for What Matters
Carly and I bought this piece of non-buildable land in 2018. This was before we had kids in our life, but I think this land helped shape the vision of our family coming to life.
It has been developed much in the same way our kids are developing. With lots of time, patience, intent, frustrations, and joy.
It's an ongoing process. It will never be "done".
We will live, grow, change, add, and subtract.
The land will always be here. I aim to build on it for generations of life to use and enjoy.