Ferrier Builders Prove: Green Building and Cost Effectiveness Can Coexist
National Green Building Awards by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recognize and celebrate the “most forward-thinking builders and remodelers in green building” who are “pushing the envelope of what we can achieve with energy and resource efficiency.” Among these achievers is our very own Ferrier Builders.
The Lovell Remodel, a 1938 home, located in Fort Worth's Arlington Heights, was transformed from the blight of the neighborhood to one of the community's more energy efficient homes, earning it the NAHB award for Single-Family Remodel under $100,000.
Energy Star appliances Restoring original hardwoods and door hardware Removing & reusing lumbers, siding, etc All low or no VOC content paints, stains and ahesives Open front porch back up to assist with ventilation & delay the use of AC Daikin mini split AC system downstairs; Mitsubishi unit & blowers for upstairs Programmable thermostats PEX plumbing Low flow showers, faucets and toilets Energy Star lighting Native landscaping Donating unused items to Habit to Humanity (doors, plumbing and electrical fixtures)
Great lengths were invested to both preserve the character and charm of the historic home, while upgrading its energy and water efficiency and indoor air quality.
The website
www.RemodelingLovell.com follows the home's transformation and also provides a great example of a simple website and blog that serve as a way to educate viewers and create a permanent archive of the work.
Cities Debate Green Building/ Energy Efficiency Requirements
“This home is a project that the majority of the population wouldn't even think of getting involved with,” said Heather Ferrier. “However, we see past the years of disrepair and neglect and see a diamond in the rough. The reality is that there are millions of existing homes in America that need improvement. We want to use this project as a model of how green building and cost effectiveness can coexist, all the while restoring the original charm of this 1938 home.”
The Lovell Remodel's green products and practices include:
Tankless Seisco water heater Icynene spray foam insulation in attic and wall cavities All windows remplaced with Maritech triple Low-E coating, Energy Star windows Energy Star doors
10 GREATER DFW METROPLEX BUILDING SAVVY MAGAZINE Vol 3 2011
The Dallas HBA has been monitoring the discussions of cities including Dallas, Frisco and Prosper which have been debating in what manner they may choose to increase code requirements related to green building and energy efficiency. The City of Dallas has indicated that its current Phase One requirements should remain in place beyond Oct. 1 when the transition to Phase Two was originally scheduled. Also, there has been discussion that the city's energy efficiency threshold will simply be the energy code requirements — recognizing the energy codes will continue to increase efficiency in the years to come. Frisco and Prosper have considered making Energy Star version 2.5 a mandatory requirement. This new version of Energy Star requires a HERS Index target that is generally more stringent for larger houses. While the size adjustment penalty can be mitigated somewhat if more bedrooms are added, version 2.5 essentially forces builders to construct smaller homes or build a home at the same size, but at a higher cost, according to the HBA. The Town of Prosper
GET GREEN!
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