The ultimate challenge for an architect — build a new home with modern design features, while meeting the exacting requirements of a historical commission and achieve a LEED Gold Certification. That is a demanding order! The architecture firm of Rowland & Broughton have done just exactly that. Their latest project was a new construction that met the expectations of the City of Aspen’s Historic Preservation Commission because of the historical value of the neighborhood. They also achieved a LEED Gold certification for its environmental protection and limited impact.
This creative home is 4,291 square feet with a main building and a detached garage. The home has an open floor plan design which optimizes its space for entertaining and a relaxed living environment. The LEED Gold-certified home is outfitted with home automation technology and powered by solar panels mounted on the garage roof. The interior features natural materials, energy-efficient fixtures, and eco-friendly finishes free of harmful chemicals. The house design minimized erosion and site impact during construction. Stormwater runoff is managed onsite and drained into the bocce ball court, which filters the water before it flows to the aquifer.
LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a globally recognized symbol of excellence in green building. Its certification ensures electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments for the places we live, work, learn, play and worship. LEED’s global sustainability agenda is designed to achieve high performance in key areas of human and environmental health, acting on the triple bottom line – putting people, planet and profit first. LEED credits are awarded by third-party technical reviewers; are applicable to all building types throughout a building’s lifecycle; and are developed through several rounds of public comments and in collaboration with the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) board, broader membership and staff.
From the Factory Floor
by ADG Lighting