Filed under: Hot Topic, Resources, Sustainable Living | Tags: Green Building MIami, Green Building South Florida, LEED Miami Green Building, Sebastian Eilert Architecture, Sebastian Eilert Architecture Miami Green
Green Certification in Subtropical climates, such as South Florida, has many pros and cons and making the decision to go green can be a difficult but fruitful one. The heat in the summer and the pounding sun throughout the year make air conditioning here a basic necessity. Power bills are generally much higher than elsewhere in the continental US and the intense sunlight also damages building facades and roofs faster than if in a temperate zone. The Subtropical sun is also more intense contributing to the heat island effect. The sun is not the only challenge a Subtropical climate faces, but high humidity brings with it mildew and mold into homes and requires special treatment of building materials and construction practices. Finally, frequent and heavy winds accompanied by plenty of rain can easily damage more fragile building materials. Stormwater management must be addressed even on small projects. The Florida Hurricane Code tests building wind loads and sets minimum standards. This is set under the Florida Building Code: Test Protocols for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones.
The Monetary Gain/Loss Factor
When deciding whether or not to pursue certification, one item to consider is whether increased operations cost will outweigh the initial investment. Is it worth it to you? Replacing appliances and other fixtures has sometimes a larger initial cost, but the benefits can include lower energy and water bills.
In LEED(R) for New Construction and Major Renovations there are many points that are easily ontained with little added cost. In the Sustainable Sites category, there are several credits based alternative transportation methods. Creating space forbicycle storage and changing rooms with showers and having access to public transportation are simple additions in the scheme of a large design. Other attainable points can be found in the category of Materials and Resources. In this category, using regional materials (materials from within 500 miles of the site) can actually lower the cost of construction by minimizing transportation costs. Material reuse on site is also beneficial and lowers your costs.
Some of the more costly credits fall under the category of Energy and Atmosphere. Solar panels start at around $1.00 per watt and creating a medium sized grid connected system for a home can run around $40,000. Most states, however, offer a 30% federal tax credit for using solar power. The initial cost is much higher, but when performing a life cycle cost analysis, the payback can begin after 10 years or so (depending on the size and power of the grid). When considering solar power, there are a few things to think about.
1. How many kilowatt hours a month do you use? You can find this on your electric bill.
2. Where do you live? In this case, South Florida. The amount of sunlight and the intensity of the sunlight make solar panels ideal. If we were in Russia, the frozen tundra with little to no sun,, solar panels might not pay back as much, if at all.
3. Where will you be installing the panels? A south facing roof is best.
4. How much of your electric bill will you offset with solar? i.e. How many panels and how much payback would you like to see?
5. What other upgrades can you complete to achieve the maximum solar power benefit (such as increasing insulation, reducing electrical load demand and upgrading windows and doors for better weatherization).
This website provides information on solar power pricing, installation, and use. http://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-cost.html
The Tax Factor
Many states offer tax credits to those who follow green building principles. These tax credits are given based on initial costs for the most part. Some credits include 30% pay back on expenses made for EnergyStar appliances and 30% on cost of solar panels. These federal tax credits have a tendency to change very year so an internet search for your local credits is recommended. In Florida, there are many credit options available. This site contains a list of Florida incentives and policies, as well as other states: http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/index.cfm?re=1&ee=1&spv=0&st=0&srp=1&state=FL
The Exposure Factor
Large corporations such as Radio Shack and FedEx are converting their headquarters to LEED certified buildings. Why? Not only for lower long run operating costs, but also for media exposure. A headline stating that “So and So Corporate Headquarters Achieves LEED Certification” or “Sustainable and Environmental Awareness by So and So Corporation” sheds good light on the company to the public or good “corporate social responsbility”.. Larger buildings achieving LEED certification makes the company, the builder, the architect and all involved feel good and recognize the team as conscious of their environment. With all the news of global warming and destruction of rainforests, wildlife, nature, etc., LEED certification provides a company with the upper hand on environmental marketing.
In South Florida, energy efficiency and green building is increasingly common, and creating a greener city is a government objective. In Florida, there are 450 LEED certified buildings, 34 of which are in the City of Miami. There are also 177 registered projects in Miami. They range from a parking garage, to a corporate headquarters, to university buildings. The broad range of LEED projects in Miami are creating a well-rounded green city. The exposure is not just something for the parties involved but also for the City and the State. It has become a country wide effort to “LEED-ify” the way we build, reduce our emissions and protect the environment.
With these sites, you can see what LEED certified buildings are around you, as well as the registered projects.
http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/Project/CertifiedProjectList.aspx
http://www.usgbc.org/LEED/Project/RegisteredProjectList.aspx
http://www.archive.org/stream/gov.fl.hurricane.code/fl_hurricane#page/n1/mode/2up
http://www.sgauge.com/greenci/?q=node/73
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3638
http://www.gleearchitects.com/sustainablefaqtropic2.htm
www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=5719
www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222
Filed under: Building knowledge, Hot Topic, Materials, Sustainable Living | Tags: Countertops, Kitchen, Miami, Sebastian Eilert, Sebastian Eilert Architecture, Sebastian Eilert Architecture Miami Green, Sebastian Eilert Architecture Miami Green Sustainable Building
No kitchen is complete without the proper countertop. From the recent increase of kitchen renovations in my practice, I like to share some of my favorite counter tops and also shed some light on the most commonly used materials and their properties.
A few years ago I came across this neat breakdown of the most typical materials:
It is looking at items such as heat retention, damage to surface and stain damage. The reviews are in line with my own observations, so I have to agree with the provided breakdown. Indeed Soapstone, crowned the winner by the author of the comparison, is also my favorite. It is a soft stone, very easy to maintain and quite durable. It also is not prone to chipping and does not retain heat, which makes it great for a kitchen with active children. The downside of Soapstone? The cost and the color. The stone comes in dark shades, black to green. The cost is also about $45-$75, which makes it at par or even more costly than the all popular Granite. The upside, there is US Soapstone available out of Vermont…
I have used the stone as a contrast to white cabinets and colorful backsplashes very successfully.
A material absent from the list are some of the newer composite materials that frequently contain recycled content and thus make them a great option for projects seeking LEED or other green building certification. I have been partial to a product called CesarStone and have used it, which contains 30% recycled content or more, in a number of projects. The clients have been satisfied across the board. One of the benefits of these man-made materials is that they tend to have a excellent color spectrum and particle options (how large and what kind of chips you can see).
So what material should you choose for your kitchen renovation? My recommendation is to make a list of the most important features and then consider the color and feel of the kitchen as a whole… it will rule out some of the options. The final decision will probably also consider cost.
Ready to get started on your kitchen upgrade? Call SEA today…
Filed under: Building knowledge, Landscaping, Sustainable Living | Tags: brick pavers, coat of paint, construction debris, how to install a paver patio, paint job, precious space
Want to improve the curb appeal of your home without splurging on a new paint job or a remodel? Here are five easy ways to spruce up your home, without breaking the bank!
1. Paint your mailbox, or simply get a new one! The mailbox, in suburbia at least, is the first thing people see when they go by your house. A metal one that looks like teenagers tried to destroy it in a drive-by baseball bat adventure doesn’t help your curb appeal. So spruce it up! Add a coat of paint, put stickers on it with your street number, and if you’re feeling creative and kitschy, add some seashells from the seashore.
2. Lay out some pavers. One way to avoid going to that Orange Box Retailer for them is to find a home in your area that is set for demolition. My mom went and asked the builder if she could take the pavers. They said yes! Construction debris is what they would have become and filled even more precious space in our landfills, but instead, they now make a beautiful path from the sidewalk to the front of the house. Keep in mind though that not all builders are this nice! Laying pavers might seem difficult, but there are many tutorials out there for the beginner.
http://www.groundtradesxchange.com/pavers/brick-pavers.htm : This link shows how to install a paver patio, but a simply path works the same way.
3. Landscaping. It IS easy to be green. Planting colorful flowers or leafy bushes in your yard (in a tamed manner that is) makes your home look well-manicured and taken care of. Planting along the driveway, along the sidewalk, and along the house give more life to your property. Plant pricing typically begins at $5 for a flowering plant that will cover around 1 square foot of space and then the prices go up from there. If you feel inclined, buying a small tree (investing around $20) will turn into a beautiful source of shade and privacy. Another planting tip is to add window boxes. These handy inexpensive planters add color to the façade of your home without the responsibility of maintaining a massive garden. (It also hides an exterior that might need a little bit of paint.)
4. Replace hardware. Getting new doorknobs, door knockers, house numbers, and more all make your home look fresh and well-kept. A rusty doorknob just looks sloppy and it makes people want to wash their hands right after touching it!
5. Outdoor Lighting. Lighting your front path or your front porch makes the house feeling more welcoming, and now you can even buy solar powered lamps that simply stab into the grass, soak up the sun and provide a little bit of outdoor lighting for a very reasonable price. This type of lighting is low maintenance and it is possible to find these types of lights home improvement stores for roughly $4.00/each. Nicer ones tend to start around $10.00/each.
Mr. and Mrs. Santos Master Suite and kitchen upgrade is located on The Venetian Islands in Miami Beach, Florida. The original house was built in the 1950’s and the integration of the new design into the existing style was a key factor for this project.
Santos Kitchen
The project started with the existing kitchen area which included the kitchen, laundry cabinet and breakfast area. The spaces were segmented and hindering each other in the desired use. By opening up the space and reconfiguring the center island leading to a focal dining area the flow was increased along with storage, lighting and usability. A double stacked oven was installed in the corner to provide easy access and allow for additional storage in the center island. The powder room received a full face list and now serves as cabana bath as well.
The Laundry closet received its own room upstairs in proximity to the collection area and the master suite expanded with a walk through closet leading into the renovated and upgraded bathroom. The later focused on clean lines, functionality and natural light.
Santos Master Closet and Entry to Master Bathroom
Filed under: Building knowledge, Hot Topic, Sustainable Living | Tags: economical construction, frank gehry, licensed architects, system coordination
…so why hire an architect? What do they do anyway? I often get the comments that …”I can’t afford an architect. They are for people that have real money to spend…”
In fact the opposite is generally applicable. True, there are the great public architects that charge a hefty fee and create amazingly spectacular architecture, such as Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid. Most licensed architects however, are here to provide something very different: Value!
Previously I wrote about the necessity to create plans for permitting purposes. Architecture goes beyond just complying with applicable building code. Legislature has changed the landscape of architecture, engineering and construction to weigh more heavily in favor of contractors. Lobbying power certainly contributed to it, but so did public demand for economical construction. The Architect and Engineering team has thus been moved to a check and balance position to make sure that code is complied with and that there is some sort of design intent. The latter however, is an important point to consider when thinking about value. The cheapest way to built, while complying with applicable codes, is seldom the most value…for the owner/client. This is where architects make the difference.
In recent conversation, architects were referred to as modern day cartoonists, who simply create beautiful images that inspire. These images are somewhat removed from what can and actually is constructed. While it is true that as a profession we use images to convey the design intend, there is a lot more to it, than simply creating beautiful pictures. The images and renderings are based on experience, knowledge and a deep understand of construction techniques, sizing, system coordination (such as lighting, HAVC, etc.), and finally color, finishes and a sense of place. No quality builder will take a simple image to attempt to create a building; and no architect will stop at a simple rendering to describe the project for construction.
So what then is the purpose of the architect? For me, that answer is simple. We provide value. We make sure that you have the best possible design, and get the most out of your budget. Good contractors understand the need for quality design and will send you to …
By listening the client and noting the specific needs as well as available funds, the best possible design can follow and save in construction by reducing guess work, errors and omissions and simply providing a detailed roadmap for the builder.
We have been trained to think in three dimensions and create amazing spaces that will best work for the applicable client. Part of the education is also supervised experience, which contributes to a solid understanding of local and regional construction practices and pricing. Combined with technology, such as Revit and other BIM modeling software, we have all the tools to deliver the ultimate service for any client: Value.
Consider the savings and the benefit in quality design, next time you are starting a project. The contractor/builder will be an important part of the project, but should never be the starting point…
“Evolve your Home” is the slogan for the new concept that
opened its store/showroom location in Coral Gables. Proprietors Christopher Block
and Buck Reilly have combined their experience in home energy auditing and
passion for good design and quality materials that have one common denominator:
they will make your home better in some way. That may include saving energy, reducing
your carbon footprint, saving water or improving your air quality.
The concept merges professional consulting on sustainable issues
with the ability to actually touch, sample and order some of the systems and materials
discussed. The benefit to the homeowner is that a pre-selection, or quality
control has already been applied to the materials exhibit in the showroom.
The benefit of actually experiencing the materials, rather
than looking at them in an online catalog, is one very valuable feature not just
to the homeowner looking to be more “green”, but also to professionals like
myself. I can now happily guide current and future clients to Habify to view a
lot of the materials I have been using for years.
The opening was attended by many in the green building industry
as well by selected Coral Gables officials to welcome the new business to Coral
Gables. A stylish event, I am sure it is indicative of the quality work Habify
brings to the area.
Learn more at: http://www.habify.com/
It is with great pleasure that I continue to lecture on how to green your home and business, provide workshops on green building certification and continue teaching about contemporary sustainable design at the University of Miami.
Still, I frequently get the same question when noting that my architectural business focuses on sustainable design: What is that… and what does it mean?
We read about greening this and saving the planet in that way, how to recycle your plastic bottle, use your own bags for groceries and change a light bulb to save energy. The publications and articles about “green” are plenty and stretch across a wide variety of sectors; real estate, fashion, construction, food & wine and many more. Still there remain many people out there, that are not sure what this trend all means and why and how it affects them.
Well, it is not a trend and it will most certainly affect you and your children. The words may be trendy and will likely change over
time, but the meaning remains valid. So here I offer a basic introduction to the topic from my perspective.
What is green design and sustainable building? …do I paint my house green to be a green building? …is it all about energy savings? …does it have to be certified?
Sustainability is the basis of green or better sustainable design and construction. Sustainability being defined as “meets the resource needs of current generations, without compromising those of future generations.” It depends on where you look, that might be one or seven generations, but the principal remains the same. The construction industry, when considering material harvesting and manufacturing through design and construction to operations and maintenance is probably the largest consumer of resources; including water, energy, natural resources and generation of waste. In order to be sustainable, the industry must
change to incorporate better practices that are less harmful to the environment and reduce the need of resources. This is the foundation of sustainable design and construction.
To make this work however, something else must be considered. A multitude of factors must be in balance for these changes to be
effective and permanent. In the industry we call this the “Triple Bottom Line”.
Think of it as a three legged stool. All three legs must be stable, in order for someone to sit on it… same with the following principals:
Environmental considerations: Doing the right thing for the environment; creating healthier environments to live and work, reduce the strain on natural areas and resources.
Economical considerations: We have to make a living, so there needs to be a reasonable profit involved under the current market economy that we live in.
Social considerations: The people at large must be able to use it and be comfortable using it. It must serve the welfare of the general public and it must be accepted culturally.
Take energy for example, specifically Photovoltaic’s. The idea is not new. But when first created and installed, the inventors created odd looking structures that were not socially accepted: they had the right idea to save money on energy and reduce their environmental impact; but the social factor prevented them from becoming main stream and make a lasting impact…
Now think that you can do business and make a profit by doing the right thing and create something beautiful and lasting… that is what sustainable designers strive to do!
Interested in more information or a presentation? Want to start your sustainable project or have questions about it? Feel free to contact me for more help. Sebastian Eilert, AIA. Sebastian Eilert Architecture, Inc. – a Transforming Architecture company. 786.556.3118
SEA is proud to have completed another great kitchen upgrade. The home of Mr. Bill Murphy along historic South Miami avenue built in the 1950’s was the target and provided the grounds for the latest completion.
View of kitchen - before
The original kitchen was nestled in the front of the house separated by a saloon style door. Adjacent to the kitchen was a partial laundry and storage area that also held the water heater and lead out to the utility patio and daytime home for Mr. Murphy’s pups!
Murphy living/dining room - before
The home features an amazing showcase of solid wood products that have been partially installed with the original design of the house and were also added on by previous owners. The amazing warmth of this material were the inspiration for the renovation and color scheme for the renovation.
The design included the removal of the common wall between the kitchen and living room to open up the feel of the compact home. Extending the counter to double serve as a breakfast area, and replace a small cramped table inside the kitchen, as well as to tie the kitchen into the open space for entertaining also brings natural light to the rest of the living dining area. The project also removed a large A/C duct chase that then exposed the amazing clerestory windows and further illuminates the room naturally.
Murphy kitchen - after
The new kitchen pushed out the laundry across the utility courtyard and replaced the clunky water heater with a on demand heater, perfect for the use of the household.
The kitchen then received a new terrazzo floor to keep it easy to clean. Colors form the existing wood and new cabinets were used in the terrazzo.
The new cabinets by Armando Garcia Custom Cabinets Inc. are a delight and have been installed to the highest satisfaction of Mr. Murphy. Appliances are Thermador and Bosch and the counter is Ceasarstone with a glass tile backsplash. Of course non VOC paints and sealants have been used in the project throughout.
Murphy living room - after
Ready to tackle your own kitchen? www.SebastianEilert.com
I was blessed to contribute to the success of the PV retrofit installation, believed to be the first non self adhesive installation in Miami Dade County. The project is a huge success and serves as a wonderful example of what one day each and every home could look and function like. This is the resource page form the owner and below is the Press Release for the project. Please share and spread the word, so we can continue to install many PV systems in South Florida.
Contact SEA for Help with your Solar Project. www.SebastianEilert.com
“March 12, 2009; MIAMI. Everyone held their breath and watched as the dial on the electric meter began to slow down, stop, and then reverse direction. With the flip of a switch, Todd Cooper’s family reached the culmination of 14 months of hard work towards a passion for sustainability. Their new photovoltaic system was finally installed and operational, and thanks to the clear sunny day, was already saving money and reducing their carbon footprint. The Village of Palmetto Bay now has its first fully permitted residential solar energy system.
Todd and his wife Omi Diaz-Cooper, who own Miami ad agency Diaz & Cooper Advertising, embarked on their quest nearly a decade ago as their increasing concern about their impact on the environment planted the seed that would grow into a commitment to reducing their ecological footprint. What started as recycling, buying organic, and reducing the use of chemical cleaners gradually evolved into installing better insulation, high-efficiency appliances and compact florescent lights and eventually a home vegetable garden and compost pile in 2008. This led to a solar hot water system, which reduced their energy bill by nearly $100 a month and paved the way for their full photovoltaic array.
With the cost of energy rising and nearly unanimous scientific consensus about the effects of carbon emissions on global climate change, a solar power system offers an effective way to harness the endless energy provided by the sun, especially in sunny South Florida. Of course going from an average summer FPL bill of over $485 to less than $250 certainly doesn’t hurt, either.
“It has really permeated both our personal and professional lives,” said Cooper. Todd and Omi have also purchased a hybrid vehicle and are working to move their business into a sustainable building built from recycled shipping containers.
The 22 installed panels fully mounted on the roof of the Cooper home
Though Florida is the “Sunshine State”, the current lack of residential solar energy systems leaves many municipalities lacking a structured permitting system for installing photovoltaic cells. Though this made the approval and installation process rather lengthy, the payoff was well worth the effort.
Inspiration came first from Todd’s father, Thomas T. Cooper Sr., A.I.A. who is also the architect of the new office building. Cooper Sr. is a decorated architect whose highly energy-efficient home in Jensen Beach has drawn praise in both the professional and local communities. He helped design the solar energy system and provided the technical drawings needed for the permit process.
Several others were also valuable contributors to the process, including electric engineer Tomas Armstrong, P.E., who donated his services because he is a strong believer in solar energy, and sustainable design architect Sebastian Eilert, who consulted with the Cooper’s when they hit roadblocks in the permitting process. The gracious help of Commissioner Katie Sorenson and her aide, Sean McCracken, was also invaluable to securing the building permit and proceed with the installation.
The array on the roof, installed by Solar Energy Systems, consists of 22 photovoltaic panels and safely generates 5 kilowatts of clean, renewable energy to help power the Cooper home. “Anything we don’t use is pumped back into the grid the same way it would from a nuclear or coal plant,” said Todd. Up until about 6 months ago, FPL would only pay 30 to 40 cents on the dollar for this electricity, but now they pay full price, and with the federal rebates it is a good investment for the family as well.
“We’ve come along way from discussing the idea around the dinner table over a year ago, and in a few years, we’ll start seeing a real return on our investment” Todd notes, “but for now the knowledge that we’re doing what we can for the environment is more than enough.”
More about this: http://www.diazcooper.com/green-matters/resources/
- Solar Energy Systems putting the finishing touches on the installation process
About Diaz & Cooper Advertising
Founded in April of 2001, Diaz & Cooper is a Miami-based agency providing multi-media communications and advertising services to national and international clientele. For more information, visit www.diazcooper.com
Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Living
With Hurricane season in full swing and a wet shower passing through with “Nicole”, we are reminded of just how important a good roof is in South Florida. Besides a good seal and protection for your property the roof does a lot more than to top of your shelter.
Ensuring that the roof is installed correctly and will protect form wind and rain remains the first priority. This is regulated by both the Florida Building Code and the Miami Dade Product Approval process and any state licensed contractor in combination with a proper building permit will comply.
There is more to the roof than just protection. In South Florida the roof is responsible for almost 80% of the heat that is introduced into the building on a typical residential and low rise commercial structure. This means that conditioned space must address this heat load. Sure, natural shading will help to reduce the heat gain impact but is not always feasible to be installed in an ideal location. Please see some of the landscaping posts for additional information.
To reduce the heat gain through the roof, there are numerous options available. The first layer of defense is the roof finish. Options for the roof finish that are available under building code and product approval generally include asphalt shingle, barrel tile, concrete shingle, flat roof membrane and metal. Some cities, such as Coral Gables, further restrict these options to maintain a design intend and general appearance for the city. When applying for a permit, the available options will be outlined.
a green roof
Within the noted finishes my clear favorite is metal. Considerations of flying tiles (frequently occurring with barrel and concrete tile roofs), dark colors that will attract a lot of heat (generally asphalt shingles) or flat roof design limitations (how many homes have flat roofs…) make metal roofs the winner. It provides a safe installation that will best resist any hurricane strength winds, provides a light color that not just reduces heat gain but also reflects, and finally also provides the best surface for water collection (a nice bonus).
It is not the least expensive option, but has one of the longest life spans, making the overall investment well worth it.
Design consideration must always be taken into account, but the metal roof has a long history in South Florida and the Florida Keys.
The next barrier is insulation. Often this can be found dropped on the ceiling, which is the wrong location for roof insulation. The building code again provides for minimum levels to ensure a degree of energy efficiency, but simple changes can substantially improve the efficiency of insulation.
To start, it should be installed on the underside of the roof, ensuring that the attic cavity becomes part of the conditioned space. What good is insulation on the ceiling, when water and HVAC systems generally run through this area? Why run them through a sauna like heated space, easily reaching 140+ degrees, when this space can be conditioned, and can be under 100 degrees. Energy is saved by not cooling the wasted 2-4 degrees in the duct and the water pipes.
As there are no HVAC outlets in the attic, it is still a good idea to provide insulation on top of the ceiling, again a small cost of initial installation with a quick payback.
Runs of water and HVAC ducts should be taken into account to further optimize energy savings.
With the above tactics, the roof will be a sustainable shield that will help your home to be more green and keep you some green in your wallet, too. When repairing or replacing your roof, think about this opportunity!
