McLean & Parker. I got to meet the architect as she was leaving the house. She said she was shooting for a LEED rating of platinum, i.e. super duper energy efficient and environmentally kind. The house is used not just for living, not just for working, but also for community gatherings. The space to the left of the main entry was hollowed out to create a huge double-height meeting space, all modern stylings, while she kept the top floor true to it’s original 1912 style. The renovations are still underway; eventually those aluminum rails will wrap around the house. Barbara, if you read this and care to say more about the project, please do!
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thanks jeremy – the house was part of a case study done on renovating versus new build. the LEED rating is based on accumulation of points to be equivalent to platinum – that screen out front doubles as screen/guardrail for the upper deck/trellis for greenry that will eventually filter the sun even more when the winter jasmine gets going – it will be covered from top to bottom.
the other LEED is storm water run off, dual flush WC, reuse of the rubble foundation in a gabion retaining wall, low e double paned double hung windows as per 1912, passive heating through hydronic radiant heat, passive heating/cooling through conscious window placement, bounced indirect sunlight reuse of timber beams and studs, energy star appliances, hot water on demand system (no hot water tank to heat) and insulating this beast of a house and even the fact that it could have been torn down but wasn’t – big sustainability points there. coming soon, chickens…oh yes and 100% organic garden with indigenous plants, fruit trees(Quince), berry bushes and strawberry plant in the Greenstreet bulge out front. thanks for asking jeremy. happy travels!
What a wonderful home you are creating!
What does LEED mean? :)
Leed stands for Leadership in energy and environmental design. I feel totally dumb for not getting that all that aluminum is a giant trellis! Barbara and I only talked briefly, so I’m glad she got a chance to explain the project, thanks Barbara! I’ll be back later to see how it’s coming :)