The Big Picture
BluePrint for Green
Green Building Programs Available in Minnesota Region
Benefits of Green Design and Construction
Economics
Health
Environment
Examples
The Big Picture:
It has always been our mission at SALA to combine exceptional beauty with functionality and high performance in our designs. We also strive to shepherd projects through the design and construction process in a way that is both understandable and enjoyable to our clients.
In recent years, a lot of public and building industry attention has been given to high performance, sustainable buildings and they have come to be known as “Green.” The upshot of this situation is that numerous Green Building Programs are being created throughout the U.S and abroad to:
- Quantify and Certify the “Green-ness” of buildings.
- Provide education regarding Green design and construction practices.
- Promote the benefits of Green Buildings.
The Architects at SALA are familiar with these programs. If you wish, they can incorporate the appropriate program(s) into the design process on your project to help you achieve certification for it.
Introduction to SALA Green by Marc Sloot
(as seen on the popular Blueprint For Green television program)
See and hear Marc introduce SALA’s holistic approach to designing homes that are:
- Exceptionally Beautiful
- Functional
- Green (high performance & environmentally responsible)
Green Building Programs Available in Minnesota Region:
LEED for Homes (New Homes in all states)
ENERGY STAR® (New Homes in all states)
MN GreenStar (Remodels in MN only. Expected Launch in June 2007)
Wisconsin Green Built Home Program (New Homes and Remodels)
Benefits of Green Design and Construction:
Green design and construction is a sound investment that continues to pay for itself in many ways including the following:
Economics:
Improved Home Value
Reduced & Less Volatile Utility Costs
Proven To Be A Wise Investment With Attractive Financial Returns
Improved Durability & Less Maintenance
Potential Tax Credits
Potential Rebates
Health:
Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Improve Indoor Comfort Level
Promotes Active & Healthy Lifestyle
Environment:
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Global Warming & Smog
Reduced Dependence On Fossil Fuels & Foreign Oil
Less Water Usage and More Replenishment of Aquifers
Promotes Sustainable Use Of Natural Resources
Promotes Preservation Of Natural Habitat & Species Diversification
Sustainable Ranch
- Carefully sited to shelter against prevailing winter winds and to minimize cutting of trees.
- Large south-facing windows enable passive solar heating.
- Generous roof overhangs allow solar heating in winter and provide shade in summer.
- Natural landscaping encourages species diversification, does not require irrigation and maximizes rainwater absorption.
Sun Catcher Studio
- Concrete finished floor minimizes material use and provides important thermal mass for passive solar design and supplemental in-floor radiant heat system.
- Operable clerestory windows create “stack effect” for passive cooling.
- Exposed wood trusses are built-up of small members which do not require large old-growth trees.
Urban Remodel
- New design interfaces beautifully with existing house.
- Reuse of building components: Windows and door from house reused on new garage.
- Design promotes water absorption: Permeable pavers used for sidewalks & special re-absorption drain used with rain chain.
- Living (arborvitae) privacy fence is more healthy for environment than constructed alternatives
September
- Built on infill lot which is close to many existing community resources.
- Great care taken to design and position the house to preserve existing trees.
- ENERGY STAR® rated windows manufactured within five miles of house.
- Use of FSC certified and reclaimed wood.
- Extremely durable exterior materials include fiber-cement siding and 40 year roofing.