architects view

Over a month has passed since the Rough Inspection on the Wheaton Green Home, and Jason Werr of JAW Builders has been working tirelessly with us to succeed in reaching the Emerald level of the NAHB Green Building Program.  Neither JAW Builders nor SWA Architects is content to settle for anything less, so when the Rough Inspection indicated that we were not on pace to reach the Emerald level it was time to change course and take things to that next Emerald level.

Since our last installment of Going Green, Jason, his wife Michelle, and I have spent a number of hours investigating every section of the NAHB Green Building Program and had many conversations on what more we can do to still keep the Emerald level within reach.  It has never been a question that the home Jason is building is “green”.  Jason has taken eco-friendly home building seriously from the beginning and has every intention to follow through, but the tireless pace at which he is building the home leaves little time to document everything the NAHB requires for certification. (more…)

Design has wrapped up on the Green Home in Wheaton. SWA Architects and JAW Builders have worked together to devise a strategy for building what is planned to be an Emerald level certified home through the NAHB Green Building Program.

Home size is a key element when designing a home, and it is important to design a home that is appropriate for a families needs without adding unnecessary or excess space. At 3,600 square feet, the home is larger than what some would consider an ideal “green” designed home, but numerous factors, including the need for a home office, dictated the design. Limiting transition spaces such as halls and foyers to only what is needed helps create an efficient floor plan where living space is maximized. (more…)