Shades of Green

FEATURED PROJECT— BUILT GREEN

Design by: Michael Klement, AIA, NCARB, Architectural Resource Ann Arbor, Mich.
Built by: Bruce Curtis, Washtenaw Woodwrights, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Meredith Residence
Green Design and Construction Features:

• Site specific, solar-orientation sensitive, core design solution.
• Maximizing natural day lighting design scheme
• Not-so-big remodel approach with minimal added space giving maximum functional use: added out only 4 ft. and 6 ft. to existing residence.
• Roof trusses at 32 in. on center provide maximum span to spacing ratio minimizing required materials use for given span, allowed for stock oversize venting skylight utilization, and maximized structural span efficiency reducing net overall project embodied energy.
• Drywall cross purlins at 16-in. o/c with truss-lift detailing eliminate thermal bridging and ‘ghosting’ at ceiling plane
• Blown in cellulose insulation, 100 percent recycled paper content, minimize convective loop heat loss and bulk air movement.
• Plate-to-plate 10 in. min. R-40 ceiling insulation with min. of 12 in. energy heel truss design and full ‘cold roof’ producing net clear 2 in. ventilation design with continuous venting at eaves and ridge.
• IC/Air Lock rated, energy efficient Energy Star rating compliant recessed light cans
• Fluorescent up lights in light shelves at tops of cabinetry with separate cool white and warm white switched circuits to allow for color temperature adjustable
• Deep light wells to reduce sunlight glare, provide light diffusing reflection and light ‘bounce’ and dump radiant heat gain at ceiling plane where ventable skylights allow heat escape to exterior.
• Double pane, low-e argon, tempered and laminated operable skylights for natural convective ventilation with remote operated sun screen devices for solar gain control.
• Triple pane, Energy Star rating compliant windows and French doors: Pella smart sashe three.
• Solid wood (renewable resource) cabinetry components, no formaldehyde emitting particle board.
• Wood I-joist floor framing reducing harvesting of old growth timber
• Laminated, low old growth hardwood material use wood flooring.
• Ultra-high efficiency, 96.6 percent AFUE, direct-vent, gas furnace.
• Environmentally friendly, Puron refrigerant based, 12.0 SEER air conditioner
• Recirculation hot water loop on user adjustable timer for reduced cold-to-hot purging water usage at distant fixture locations
• Energy efficient day light emitting tubular skylights in hall and two in w/in closets provide natural light.
• Trex recycled plastic/wood composite deck and built-in deck features
• Minimal maintenance landscape development with zero turf grass and low drought resistant climate specific plantings
• Minimal impact on site: no trees were felled due to planning of foot print of addition
• Heating/cooling bills dropped even though we added additional floor space and significant glazing: annual gas consumption before: 2,205 ccf; gas consumption after 1,583 ccf annual electrical use before: 16,272 kwh; electrical use after 11,262 kwh
• 16-in. wide skylights utilizing existing in-place joist spacing and maximizing daylight penetration into highly shaded porch
  

GO GREEN WITH NARI

Green remodeling is one of the hottest (and hotly debated) topics in the industry. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is rolling out a green remodeling education program, closely followed by a green certification program. What’s the difference between an education program and a certification program? There’s an exam to pass for certification! NARI’s green remodeling program will be multi-faceted, focusing on energy efficiency and conservation, indoor air quality, efficient use of resources, recycling of demolition material and renewable energy sources. The program will run from 8-12 weeks with a 2-hour class weekly. Each class will address specific topics such as building science application, green remodeling guidelines, solar applications, appliance selection and marketing a green business. The NARI Certified Residential Green Professional (CRGP) certification is slightly different from other certifications for which you may have studied. It requires you to wrestle with some basic construction practices that include approaches to issues such as sustainability, building performance, landscaping, and interior/exterior finishes

Why Go Green?

Average Americans spend 85 to 90 percent of their time indoors. Airborne contaminants can be two to five times worse inside than outside, so indoor air quality is important. Homes can be less prone to bacteria and mold growth with properly installed insulation, air, and moisture barriers, and HVAC systems are sized properly and maintained. Natural light has a profound effect on mental as well as physical well being. Homes that lack natural light and quality air has been known to contribute to seasonal affective disorder, allergies, and asthma.

Homes remodeled green will:

• Contain non-toxic materials that help maintain indoor air-quality, reducing allergy and asthma triggers.
• Utilize recycled-content building materials, using natural resources more efficiently.
• Feature natural lighting, saving energy and boosting positive moods.
• Recycle construction and demolition waste. Of the 20,000 landfills in the U.S., 15,000 have reached capacity and closed.

This course might even encourage some life style changes. For more info, e-mail info@nari.org or visit http://www.nari.org/