HELMAN SECHRIST Architecture- Philosophy of Sustainable Building:
As the market recognizes the importance of “building Green” or sustainable building prototypes, H.S.A. is proud to say without hesitation that much of what constitutes “green” initiatives have been standard practice in our building design process from the beginning. Efficiency of design, energy and building systems has always been top priority in adding value to the client deliverable. The current mainstream mandate only underscores and adds credibility to an important aspect of our process. With that said, the following outline formulates an identifiable process with an organization and sequence that allows our clients to understand the various opportunities available.
SUSTAINABILITY ("GREEN") CONSIDERATIONS:
Particular priority shall be placed on advanced sustainability opportunities. HSA has adopted the National Association of Home Builders Model Green Home Building Guidelines as our philosophy to sustainable architecture, which includes the following eight primary points:
- Lot Design, Preparation, and Development
- Defined as utilizing efficient site design principles (solar orientation, wind direction, etc.) as a means to improving efficiency
- Resource Efficiency
- Defined as optimization of natural resources and materials, as well as waste reduction.
- Energy Efficiency
- Defined as implementing an integrated and comprehensive approach to energy efficient design of the building site, the building envelope, and mechanical space conditioning systems.
- Water Efficiency
- Defined not only as conservative of our most previous resource, but also as controlling the undesirable effects that water and moisture can have on the home.
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Defined as the creation of a healthy living environment that "breathes" and avoids retention of moisture and other harmful air quality toxins.
- Operation, Maintenance, and Homeowner Education
- Defined as providing a home manual to Owner/occupants on the use, care, and maintenance of the home as a means to maintaining the originally specified efficiencies of all systems.
- Global Impact
- Defined as other issues not easily categorized into the aforementioned guiding principles such as selection of certain materials or finishes with low or no VOC’s (volatile organic compounds).
- Intrinsic Passive Design Quality (building and site)
- Defined as the "design" of the home itself being the single strongest contributor to the overall sustainability quotient, using natural sun angles, wind direction, home placement, overhang width, window location, etc as a means to enhance the home’s passive efficiency.
The following abbreviated outline of specific items are examples of the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines:
- State of the art electronics/appliances/controls/security
- Sophisticated HVAC systems and controls for high efficiency
- Tankless water heaters
- Super insulation (thermal and acoustical)
- Passive solar and ventilation considerations
- Renewable building materials as appropriate
- Certified Green Professional designation held by architect and HSA Vice President, Brad Sechrist; LEED certification pending
