2008... Full Steam Ahead

As we enter the New Year, Sarah and I are working closely with Don Briggs, Briggs Architecture & Design, to mold our program for the dream home build, to take place this summer, so as to have a concrete starting place once we enter into the much anticipated Charrette process. Over the course of the last four weeks, we have reviewed, debated, altered, and refined how the envisioned floor plan will play out, how best to use the space allocated for each of the rooms we desire, and ultimately how such a layout works with the concepts of passive solar design; high efficiency building envelope; alternative operating systems; renewable / non-toxic materials; etc. The process has not been easy, as we are finding that there is much give and take as to what you want in a dream home, what you need in a home, how all such development impacts the land around you, and ultimately how the final design can work into the overall concept of green / sustainable architecture and design.

The following image is just a glimpse of the latest rendition of the residential plan. You are looking at an overhead view of the anticipated footprint of the home. It indicates the orientation of the home for maximum passive solar gain, while also taking into account the mountain views to the southwest. Furthermore, you get a clear picture about the sun path from January through December, and how to best plan for glazing requirements in accordance with the anticipated solar heat gain throughout the year. It is important to note that this image is only part of the latest rendition to date, knowing full well that aspects of the design will morph as we continue to fine tune the design with Don Briggs and culminating at the close of the Charette process.

The month of December was also productive as it pertained to my own personal growth in the green building industry. I completed a four month course, Green Building Certification, at Colorado State University which culminated with taking and successfully passing the USGBC’s nationally recognized Professional LEED Accreditation exam. Now as a LEED AP it is my goal to have an active role in the design of the home, development of potential HVAC and other operating systems, as well as implementation of green aspects both inside and outside the residence. As a result, I am working presently to register the home under the auspice of the USGBC’s LEED for Home rating. This procedure, as I am learning, is more involved than your typical LEED NC project. In the instance of LEED H, you have to work through a USGBC nominated LEED Provider, which in our case has yet to be designated in the state of Montana. The course of action will eventually see me have to utilize the professional services of a nominated Energy Rater and LEED Verifier as well. I am currently communicating with CSU LEED professors, LEED Providers from nearby states, and in-state LEED AP’s on the course of action recommended to move the project forward while still insuring that I, as a LEED AP, can have an active and recognized part in my project beyond paying the bills.

In the remaining month of January, it is our plan to finalize a design rendition to move forward with in the Charrette process scheduled for first part February, verify the project is registered under the LEED rating system, and continue to research the latest green industry technologies to implement on the upcoming project. Stay tuned as I continue to bring you updates from our project as they happen, as well as any learned information on the procedures directly pertaining to the LEED for Homes rating system.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and an Abundant Tomorrow for all!

Tim Southwell, LEED AP