|
Mexico Beach House
Written April 30, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under Architecture, Waterfront
As an architect living in the mountains outside Sandpoint, Idaho, it is always fun to design something a little different. We are currently in the schematic design phase for a small beach house in Mexico. This home will be located on the Pacific coast between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, about 30 miles SE of Zihuatanejo and the beach resort town of Ixtapa in the Mexican state of Guerrero. There are several roof decks to take advantage of great views in all directions, including the beach just below, and fisherman boats anchored to the south. The home is designed to capture the ocean breezes in the warm, tropical climate.
 
Main Level and Rooftop Level
This will truly be an indoor/outdoor home. Most of the home is actually outdoors, with enclosed indoor areas having air-conditioning. The kitchen (cocina) is outdoors, covered by a waterproof deck above, with a large outdoor bar for those still wet from the swimming pool. The guest bathroom is shared with the pool area, with an organically formed outdoor shower. The upper level consists of the master suite and several rooftop gardens. Awnings, hammocks and lounge chairs will be provided. The owners will supply the daiquiris, margaritas and Coronas.
The landscaping will consist of an infinity-edged swimming pool hovering over the Pacific Ocean, along with terraced patios, pergolas, another outdoor kitchen, gardens, planters, palm trees, and more hammocks. As my grandfather used to say, “This is real living!”
 Mexico Beach House - Pacific Beachfront Elevation
 Mexico Beach House - Courtyard Elevation
I was excited to design a beach house in Mexico when I was approached by the owners, who live in Idaho. I grew up in California, where I was exposed to several styles of architecture, from the beach to the mountains. I also learned about Mexican history and culture in school. At Texas Tech one of the architects I studied was Luis Barragan, who was one of the most influential Mexican architects of the 20th century (he was also a very prominent landscape architect). I’ve also been fortunate enough to be able to design some Mission and Tuscan style homes in California.
Every project is different, and it’s just a matter of bringing out the owner’s own tastes to fruition. Some of the elements are borrowed from the local indigenous architecture that evolved over centuries to make the most of the shade and breezes. The owners wanted a more organic flow for this home though, more so than what it traditionally in the area. There are some aspects of mountain architecture, such as the gnarled wood columns and timbered ceilings. The owners also supplied me with several books and printouts of their favorite elements. Some books they really liked that I found very helpful were:
- Casas en la Costa Mexicana and Casas el la Costa 2, both of the Lifestyles Nature & Architecture series by Fernando de Haro & Omar Fuentes
- Casa Mexicana Style by Annie Kelly, with some great photographs by Tim Street-Porter
- Houses by the Sea: Mexico’s Pacific Coast by Mauricio Martinez
My wife tells me she wants to retire somewhere by the beach. I halfway joke that if I can get enough beach houses in my portfolio I can still work when I’m “retired”.
Drawings are attached with permission from the homeowners.
John Hendricks, AIA Architect
Hendricks Architecture, Mountain and beach architects in Sandpoint, Idaho
.
Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture Blog.
Previous Post: Energy Efficiency
15 Comments
Energy Efficiency
Written April 23, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under Energy Efficiency, Green
At Hendricks Architecture, we specialize in the design of mountain style homes and cabins. We try to make these as energy efficient as possible to save homeowners on long term heating and cooling costs. We educate them on the practicalities, costs and benefits of energy efficiency throughout the design process.
According to Residential Design & Build Magazine, 2008′s most asked for feature in a house was energy efficiency. Currently, Americans use approximately 25% of the world’s energy, and roughly 21% of this is consumed in our homes. Whether we knew it or not, energy efficiency has always been at the forefront of the green and sustainable movements, and is an important part of the LEED process. As architects, we are committed to doing our part to promote and implement energy efficiency in the homes we design.
There are numerous ways that energy efficiency measures can be incorporated into a new or existing home, and often these measures will also enhance the appearance, functionality, and resale value of a home. Some of the strategies are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list but an overview of readily available measures that we can use to enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Many people think adding energy saving measures to a home will initially cost more, and in many cases this is true. In some cases, just making the appropriate design decisions can save energy and not cost any more. It is important to measure additional first costs against long term savings in energy costs, and consider that no one is predicting cheaper energy costs in the future.
DESIGN AND EMBODIED ENERGY
Probably the most fundamental step in creating an energy saving home is to design it for space and functional efficiency. Minimizing non usable space (hallways are one example) and creating spaces that can serve more than one function like Guest/ Exercise or Laundry/ Mud rooms can reduce the overall building area that needs to be heated or cooled. Open plans tend to feel bigger than they are, and save space that would have to be taken up by walls, doors, etc. A good reference for these strategies is Sara Susanka’s “The Not So Big House”.
It is also worth considering the energy use that goes into everything used in the construction of a home. Materials require energy to manufacture, package, store, deliver, etc. Almost every decision made during the design process has some impact on the energy use of your home.
SITING, ORIENTATION, & MASSING
A home should be located on its site to allow access to the sun, protection from prevailing winds, minimize site disturbance, and use natural elements to provide shading and shelter. Stacking a building’s spaces whenever possible reduces the footprint and the surface area through which heat can escape. Below grade spaces benefit from the relatively constant 50 degree temperature of the earth, reducing or eliminating cooling cost during the summer.
WINDOW DESIGN AND DAYLIGHTING
Windows serve several functions in a well designed home. Besides framing views and providing a connection with the outdoors, windows allow natural light to enter, provide free ventilation, insulate against heat loss, and help heat indoor spaces when exposed to direct sunlight. Windows are a crucial element in a home’s design and function, and should be carefully sized, located and detailed. Windows are the weak link in a buildings thermal envelope, so it is important to select quality windows with a low U value.
 Use clerestory windows to help bring in light
Placing windows to provide ample daylighting will save on lighting costs and the number of fixtures needed. Locating windows to take advantage of solar exposure will reduce heating costs and HVAC equipment required. Direct sunlight does not make for good daylighting, primarily because of glare. The best daylighting utilizes reflected or indirect light from transom, clerestory, or north facing windows. Skylights and solar tubes can be used to provide daylight to interior rooms.
ROOFS, OVERHANGS, AND SHADING
A roof should be designed to shade windows that are exposed to direct sunlight in the summer months. Because the sun is lower in the sky in the winter, roof overhangs should be sized to allow direct sunlight to enter the windows during winter months, maximizing solar heat gain to offset heating costs. On building facades where overhangs are not able to provide shade (gables, etc.), pergolas, awnings, or other shading devices should be considered. Devices that shade lower windows and act as a light shelf for upper windows are particularly effective.
 Providing broad overhangs reduces summer heat gain, yet brings in the winter sun.
A house’s roofing material also affects energy consumption. Lighter colored or reflective roofing reduces heat gain, and a well ventilated or cold roof will help keep attic spaces cooler, reducing cooling costs.
INSULATION AND THERMAL MASS
It is well know that the better insulated a house is, the more energy efficient it will be. Building codes dictate minimum insulation values for all new construction. Any insulation value beyond the minimum required will be money well spent, especially in roof/ attic spaces where most heat loss occurs. Several insulation products are available that can provide enhanced R-values and provide a tighter building envelope. It is worth considering spray applied foam insulation, blow in blanket, or rigid sheet insulation rather than conventional fiberglass batts. Snow actually adds insulation as well, though is not recognized by building departments.
 Spray applied foam insulation.
SIPS panels are also an energy saving system that can be used in lieu of conventional stud framing. In stud/ cavity wall systems, thermal bridging occurs that allows heat to pass through studs that contact exterior materials. SIPS panels have a solid sheet of rigid insulation sandwiched between plywood sheets, and no thermal bridging occurs. They are commonly used on roofs and for wall systems in post and beam construction.
 SIPS Panels
Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb and store heat that is radiated slowly. Materials like concrete, stone, brick, and water all have a high thermal mass. A well placed thermal mass will absorb solar radiation or heat from a fire, and radiate it slowly to keep a space warm overnight or for several days. Concrete or gypcrete floors can be heated by solar or gas fired hydronic systems to provide an even heat that feels warmer than heated air at the same temperature.
NATURAL VENTILATION
Operable windows, ceiling fans, and design that utilizes “stack effect” can all be used to passively cool a space, saving energy that would be required by A/C systems. Ceiling fans can be used in rooms with vaulted ceilings to circulate heated air that collects in the peak of the ceiling. Night venting (operating outside air ventilation systems overnight) can also be used to cool a space without using excess energy. Operable windows in bathrooms will also save energy by eliminating the need for exhaust fans when weather permits.
HVAC EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES
Heating and cooling equipment are available in a wide range of efficiencies and types. Choosing high efficiency equipment that is Energy Star certified, using insulated duct systems, programmable thermostats, and creating multiple zones for heating & cooling are simple energy saving strategies.
If you live in an area where gas is not available, heat pumps are much more efficient than electric resistance heating. Radiant heating systems with a high efficiency boiler are generally more comfortable and efficient than forced air systems, but are best used in homes that are regularly occupied and should be supplemented with ventilation systems. If a home is used only occasionally, radiant heat may not be the best choice from a cost standpoint, as it takes much longer to raise the temperature of a home to comfortable levels. If you are considering air conditioning with a radiant system, remember that you will be installing two systems since A/C requires a network of ducts to distribute cooled air.
Appliances (especially refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers) consume significant energy. Buying Energy Star appliances are a good way to increase the energy efficiency of your home at minimal extra cost.
We would love to talk to you about ways to increase the energy efficiency of your current home, or to help you design a new home that utilizes these energy saving strategies.
Tom Russell, LEED AP, Project Manager
Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.
.
Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture Blog.
Previous Post: Mountain Architecture
3 Comments
Mountain Architecture
Written April 19, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under Architecture, Mountain Architecture
What is Mountain Architecture? The mountain architecture vernacular consists of bold, natural and textured buildings and materials. These buildings should functionally and aesthetically withstand rugged mountainous environments, as well as blend into the topography.
Mountain homes should take advantage of nature by bringing the outdoors in through ample amounts of glazing and natural materials, and by extending indoor living spaces to the outside (outdoor living rooms) with decks, terraces and other exterior areas. A home exterior should look like it has grown out of the site rather than being lowered down from a helicopter. It can take advantage of the surrounding trees, boulders and other landforms by incorporating them into the home and the outdoor living rooms, and designing around them. Interiors should have a good range of natural materials and forms. These are often more rustic than the typical home, and sometimes have an “old world” appearance. Designed tastefully, this will often give the home a “rustic elegance”.

Mountain architecture is organically massed to taper down into the site. Multiple volumes conform to the existing terrain and are in scale with the existing landscape. Large, symmetrical, obtrusive building forms are often avoided. Some single story elements help keep a mountain home residential in scale.
Broad sheltering roofs appear to cascade down in steps or multi-level designs, and protect against winter snow, spring rain and summer sun. Roofs generally have a 4:12 to 12:12 pitch. Depending on the locality, there is little ornamentation. For instance, the rugged, bold architecture of Big Sky and Whitefish in Montana, Telluride, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming may often have less ornamentation and detail than buildings in Vail, Colorado and Lake Tahoe.

Architects who design mountain architecture most often utilize natural materials and warm, earthy colors. Roofs may consist of cedar shakes or slate, sometimes with copper accents. Siding is frequently cedar (boards, shake shingles or logs) and stone. Recycled barn wood is sometimes used for a more rustic look. If wood is to be stained it should let the natural grains show through. The stone should be bigger at the base to give it an anchored and structural appearance. Large mortar joints should be avoided in the mountain style.
In the mountains, columns, beams, rafters and other structural elements are bigger and bolder for protection against heavy snow loads. These are typically douglas fir and/or reclaimed wood, and can be built in timber frame or timber post and beam construction. Windows are typically kept to a minimum on the front elevation, while opening up to broad views on the back or view elevations, which many times have daylight basements to take advantage of the steep slopes. Windows typically have wood or metal clad (aluminum, copper or bronze) frames. These frames can have an aged patina for an older appearance. Garage doors are wood, many times in the carriage style.

Landscaping is also an important element in quality mountain architecture. Home sites should be designed for maximum privacy, minimal visibility, minimized grading and disruption of natural drainage. Sites are kept natural by containing water runoff, and enhancing the natural landforms and vegetation. Smart design should keep retaining walls to a minimum, both to preserve a natural look as well as save on costs. These retaining walls are most often natural stone. Vegetation will help these walls blend into the site.
Other landscape elements include native hardscaping (patios, walkways), and minimal walls, fences and gates. When these are incorporated they should look open and natural, and relate to the building. A good architect or landscape architect should know of some good tricks here for the benefits of privacy and the homeowner’s personal tastes. Driveways are often natural materials such as stone, but are more cost effective with concrete (colored, stamped, aggregate), pre-cast pavers, or asphalt.

Mountain style architecture has similar elements to other vernaculars. These include Montana ranch, rustic western style, Adirondack, and historic logging and mining styles. Craftsman/Arts & Crafts, Chalet, Prairie, Japanese and even Tuscan elements can be incorporated into the mountain style if done tastefully.
Mountain Architecture generally occurs in the mountains of the West, and in pockets of the Northeast and Southeast. In the West, besides the previously mentioned Vail, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Whitefish, Telluride and Lake Tahoe, other areas with mountain style homes include Sun Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and Priest Lake in Idaho, Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Durango and Crested Butte in Colorado, and Park City in Utah. In Southwestern Canada, Whistler is by far the most popular mountain resort area, and will host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Canmore in Alberta is popular with it’s close proximity to Banff, and was the site of the nordic events when Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics.
For further information, please also see our blog post Origins of Mountain Architecture in America.
Feel free to peruse more mountain architecture photos and renderings. Hendricks Architecture specializes in the design of luxury mountain style homes and cabins, and is listed among Mountain Living’s top mountain architects. Most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas throughout the West.
John Hendricks, AIA Architect
Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.
.
Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture Blog.
Previous Post: Mountain Vacation in Southern British Columbia and Alberta
16 Comments
Mountain Vacation in Southern British Columbia and Alberta
Written April 17, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under Resort Areas
The following is an interesting mountain vacation through Southern British Columbia and Alberta that Tom Russell, LEED AP, a Project Manager at Hendricks Architecture, took last summer:
Last summer my family and I decided to take our vacation to Canada to visit several resort towns in southern British Columbia and Alberta. We usually travel back to my hometown of Old Forge in the Adirondacks, where my family rents a charming old “mini” Adirondack Great Camp on the lake at Morrow Point. Old Forge is so similar to Sandpoint that we thought it would be nice to do something different and see some new places. We had a new V.W. Eurovan that we were anxious to try on a long road trip, so Canada it was!
The first town we visited was Kimberley, which is not too far from Cranbrook in Southern B.C. Kimberley is supposedly the highest town in Canada, and we had heard they have an extensive network of mountain bike trails. The main attraction in Kimberley in the winter is the ski resort, which we were told is family friendly and gets lots of light dry snow. Kimberley turned out to be a Bavarian themed town that reminded me of Leavenworth in central Washington. It has a pedestrian mall, called the Platzl, which we visited at 5PM on a Saturday afternoon.
 The Platzl in Kimberley
The Platzl is several square blocks of great old brick and timber buildings, charming shops and restaurants, and cobble paved streets. We expected it to be mobbed that time of day, but it was almost deserted. At our campsite that night we met a local realtor who explained that everyone was probably up at “the Lake” because it was so hot (at least by Canada standards). She also told us Kimberley was trying to rebrand itself and lose the Bavarian village image.
We wanted to check out Fernie, but decided to wait and go there in the winter when we could ski at Fernie Alpine Resort. Our next destination was Banff, via Kootenay National Park. The park has incredible scenery so we spent three days and nights and did some great hikes. I would recommend visiting it if you are anywhere near Banff.
 Kootenay National Park
Banff is a bustling resort town with European flair and a very diverse population. The compact downtown area has an interesting mix of traditional and modern Architecture, with a great town park along the Bow River. Probably the best know attraction in Banff, besides the great scenery and ski areas, is the Banff Springs Resort Hotel, an architectural wonder surrounded by mountains. Luxury at it’s best! Maybe not the best example of the Mountain Architecture style.
 Banff Springs Hotel
We camped near Minnewanka Lake, a huge, beautiful lake just outside Banff with great trails, abundant wildlife, and very cold water. I took a mountain bike ride early one morning on the North side of the lake, and on a blind corner I almost hit a mountain goat with 2 babies. They were hurrying down to beg for some snickers bars on the highway, and didn’t seem to mind me very much.
 Lake Minnewanka
Our next stop was Lake Louise, probably one of the most photographed and popular places in Canada. Apparently it is popular with the Grizzly bears, too. The campsites for tent campers have a burly safety fence around them. The lake’s reputation is well deserved. It is surrounded by stunning glaciated peaks and the water is a brilliant aquamarine color typical of lakes formed by glacial runoff. At the busy end of the lake (the end you don’t have to walk to) is the Fairmont Lake Louise Chateau, a huge luxurious hotel that seems out of place in this alpine setting.
 Lake Louise
From Lake Louise we headed west, choosing to visit Revelstoke rather than Jasper, where I had been before. We knew Revelstoke has a new ski area and is in the process of developing a village to support it, and wanted to see what it was all about. From Lake Louise, we went over two mountain passes and through two more National Parks (Yoho & Glacier) on the way. The Rogers Pass area between Golden and Revelstoke has the most incredible scenery we encountered.
 Rogers Pass
The peaks here are rugged and covered with glaciers, making this a playground for mountaineers and backcountry skiers. I vowed to return in the future better equipped to explore the more remote areas of this park. We camped near the pass and did some hikes here, but were intimidated by the signs reminding us that grizzly bears would be more than happy to eat us if we woke them up or tried to pet their children.
Revelstoke is a great town that reminded us of Sandpoint, except that they have a great municipal recreation center, and we only wish we had one. If you go there I would recommend visiting it. Oh yea, and their ski hill has an amazing 5600′ vertical. The ski area seems to have a lot of potential and has some great terrain, but the village still has a ways to go before it is a thriving town center.
Heading south out of Revelstoke, we took a ferry across Arrowhead Lake and continued to the hamlet of New Denver on Slocan Lake. This cute little mountain town was a great place to camp and enjoy the slow pace of the Slocan valley. Flanked on both sides by National Parks, the Slocan valley has a string of artsy, down to earth towns connected by a public bus system. It was amazing to see such an amenity in a rural area. A must visit here is the Cedar Creek Café in Winlaw.
 Slocan Lake
Our plan was to head to Red Mountain in Rossland, B.C. for some mountain biking, but rain was in the forecast so we headed to Nelson, B.C. to walk around and shop in this funky, eclectic ski town. We had been here during the winter to ski at Whitewater, but were surprised to see how busy Nelson was in the summer.
The final hurrah for the trip was driving over Kootenay Pass, which connects Salmo and Creston in extreme southern B.C. It is the highest road in Canada and a popular ski touring area. We made it back to Sandpoint in time to watch the 4th of July fireworks that evening.
Tom Russell, LEED AP
Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Last Post: Mountain Home Taking Shape On Lake Pend Oreille
4 Comments
Clark Fork Career Day
Written April 15, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under North Idaho
When I was in high school I took a test that would tell me what I could be when I grew up. When I finished it listed several engineers, a dentist, and a stuntman. I thought the first two would be too boring, and didn’t think I’d earn enough to support my future lavish lifestyle. So I decided to become a screen writer. After failed attempts to make it into USC’s film school, I decided to be an architect, my next favorite choice. I used to love looking at plans when I was a kid, and I did pretty well in art, drafting and math.
Fast forward twenty-five years. Recently, I was asked to participate with several others in Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School’s Career Day. Four speakers were placed in each classroom, and we were each given ten minutes to speak to three different classes. My group consisted of a cinematographer, a teacher, and a computer programmer.
I decided to go last since I brought way too much stuff and wanted to make sure I didn’t run into the others’ times. The cinematographer, Eric Daarstad, is a very interesting guy. He’s semi-retired now, but has filmed several documentaries and some movies. He’s worked with such artists as John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Natalie Wood, and several others I recognized but left the kids with lost looks. One girl asked if he worked with any young people. The teacher asked, “Were you expecting Zac Efron?” This brought swoons from the girls.
Melissa Mehwinney, the computer programmer also gave an interesting talk. She was fresh out of college and the students were all excited that she was already earning twice as much as her sister, who was the teacher of the class. Big sister was a great sport about it. One of the students asked, “Yea, but how much can computer scientists really make?” Melissa replied, “Have you ever heard of Bill Gates?”
The presenting teacher, Brenda Haase, kept everyone enthralled as that seemed to be the most popular occupation.
When it came my turn, I talked about the education you need to become an architect. Then I explained the process I go through with every homeowner. I sit and talk with them at my office or their home about their dream home, and we look at the site. Then I take what we discussed and sketch solutions. These sketches turn into computer drawings, then a set of detailed drawings, and eventually a home they can enjoy. One interested student stayed after class and showed me his artwork, including some pretty cool dragons.
All in all, in was a great time. I would definitely recommend it to anybody who is asked to participate in Career Day. The students really make it a lot of fun, and you’re also able to meet some other interesting people in your community.
John Hendricks, AIA Architect
Hendricks Architecture
To Subscribe to this blog please click here, or click on link at lower right.
Last Post: Mountain Home Taking Shape On Lake Pend Oreille
2 Comments
Mountain Home Taking Shape On Lake Pend Oreille
Written April 4, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under Mountain Architecture, North Idaho, Waterfront
A new Hendricks Architecture designed waterfront home on Lake Pend Oreille near Sandpoint, Idaho is taking shape. This steep site originally consisted of a tear down home with three separate garage structures. The new rocky mountain style home will have roughly 3,000 square feet over two levels. It will tie into one of the existing garages, which will all have new stained cedar siding and cedar carriage house doors. The Contractors are a collaboration of Dan Fogarty of Sandpoint and Denman Construction of Whitefish, Montana.

The home has a cupola over the Great Room which will bring in additional light. Large cedar decks will have great views of the lake, as well as the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains, and a private beach below. Natural stone will cover the concrete piers which buttress the decks.
 Water View of Lakefront Home under Construction
For finished photos of this home, please see Lakefront Cabin on our Project Page.
John Hendricks, AIA Architect
Hendricks Architecture, Mountain Architects in Sandpoint, Idaho
Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture Blog.
Last Post: LEED Accredidation
16 Comments
How NOT To Roof A House
Written April 3, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under North Idaho
There are many ways to effectively prevent water infiltration in roofs. This one is fairly effective, though there are more desirable and cost friendly ways.

Mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.
Last Post: LEED Accredidation
4 Comments
LEED Accredidation
Written April 2, 2009 by John Hendricks, Architect AIA • Filed Under Energy Efficiency, Green
Tom Russell of Hendricks Architecture recently became a LEED AP, or Accredited Professional. LEED Accredited Professionals have, according to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), “demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building techniques, the LEED Green Building Rating System, and the certification process.” The USGBC is a non-profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating SystemTM.
The LEED certification process has several rating systems that are specific to different building types and project scopes. LEED for Homes is a fairly new product that was launched in January 2008, after a few pilot versions. It promotes the design and construction of high performance green homes. By using a standardized documentation system, LEED for Homes assures owners that their home has meet rigorous criteria for energy efficiency, occupant health, and minimized environmental impact.
The conventional wisdom is that building a green home or doing a green remodel is much more costly. While in many instances this is true, it is not always the case. It is important to consider long term costs when comparing green building to more conventional construction. First costs can often be offset by long term savings in energy use, maintenance, and reduced equipment needs. The USGBC contends that the net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of a conventional home. It is also worthwhile to consider the intangible benefits of a green home, things like improved health, a cleaner environment, and less dependence on conventional energy sources.
For clients interested in achieving LEED certification for their projects, it is important to have a LEED AP involved as part of the design/construction team. They can help guide you through the certification process, which can be complex and time consuming. Having a LEED AP involved also gains your project a point towards certification.
For homeowners interested in a home that is “built green” but not LEED certified, it is always an option to employ green strategies, products and technologies without going through a certification process. While LEED certification offers assurance of a buildings performance, it is possible to have the same level of performance without being certified. For those considering resale value, LEED certification would likely add value to any piece of real estate because it is a verifiable standard that is recognized nationwide.
For any of our clients interested in building a green home or doing a green remodel, we have the knowledge and expertise to assist you. Whether you are going to pursue LEED certification or you simply want a healthy, energy efficient, low impact home, we would love to talk to you about achieving your goals.
Tom Russell, Architect, LEED AP, Hendricks Architecture
Last Post: Is This A Good Time To Build?
10 Comments
|