Sustainable Design in Renovations and Construction

Contemporary Deck by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Sustainability doesn’t have to be a buzzword. By implementing well thought out design strategies in commercial and residential design and construction, we can make very meaningful, earth friendly, and resource efficient improvements that will also contribute to much healthier living environment and more efficient maintenance practices. The greatest sustainability gains can be achieved through well planned design even before the construction begins.

Sustainable design provides authentic, sensual and tactile experience that is grounded in what is real - what we experience through our senses.  As such, sustainable design is less focus on abstract, instead it  references cultural history, natural world, diversity in colours and textures, simplicity and honesty.

In addition to engaging traditional sustainability tactics such as energy efficiency, daylighting, and the use of healthy materials, the following are key to sustainable design approach:

1. Resource efficiency - a fundamental strategy for resource-efficient building is to build less square footage, use smaller quantities of materials and design the smallest footprint possible
2. Source reduction - use of materials that reduces the amount of toxicity of garbage generated and overall waste disposal
3. Low impact building materials by reducing use of nonrenewable natural materials, materials reuse, recycling
4. Rapidly renewable materials with harvest cycle of 10 years or less 
5. Climate-specific construction materials, regional products, consider life-cycle cost
6. Durable and timeless design

Here are example of some inspiring projects that adhere to sustainable design principles:

The reception and mountain cafe by Harmony Home Projects

The sustainable design features includes: opening of walls, changes to layout to maximize the use of daylight and to reduce energy consumption,  LED lighting, use local materials and natural finishing, to achieve durable, simple, low maintenance and timeless design.

Contemporary Hall by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Contemporary Kitchen by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Contemporary Bathroom by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Contemporary Bathroom by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

The project received LEED Platinum/Net Zero certification and features high performance air-to-air heat exchangers; photovoltaic panels for electricity; solar thermal panels for hot water; ultra low flow/dual flush fixtures for water conservation; LED lighting; radiant heating; and IPE rain screen siding.

Modern Living Room by Minneapolis Architects & Building Designers SALA Architects

The sustainable features include: open floor plan to maximize natural light, clerestory windows, natural, simple elements, and timeless design.

Modern Patio by Portland Landscape Contractors Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Sustainability feature: constructing a green roof that you can potentially intercept a major portion of the storm water runoff before it gets to the impervious areas on your site. It also lessens the load on other sustainable systems you may be using, like rain gardens and permeable paving.

Resources and Photo Credits:

Photos: http://www.houzz.com

Sustainable Residential Interiors By Stelmack, Annette

New "Old" House: Achieving Modern yet Charming Home Update

What is about some houses that makes us long to live there while others leave us cold?  What is making even some very modern houses warm and inviting yet some other cold and almost sterile-like.  Jeremiah Eck, leading residential architect, in his book Distictive Home identifies the four qualities that can turn even the most  ordinary house into a charming, warm and memorable home: good siting, well-designed floor, elegant exterior architecture, and details that transmit an enduring sense of warmth and quality.

To achieve this balance, many are turning to the history and tradition of their own for inspiration in "old house" - themes that will inspire and preserve a sense of place and the feeling of "home." Here are some great examples of well designed and renovated older homes that achieved both modern yet charming and timeless appeal:

Farmhouse Exterior by Philadelphia Architects & Designers Wyant Architecture

Modern Exterior by Bainbridge Island Architects & Designers Coates Design Architects Seattle

Rustic Exterior by Richmond Architects & Designers Birdseye Design

Modern Exterior by Austin Photographers Andrea Calo

Craftsman Exterior by Seattle Architects & Designers jARCHITECTS: Jim Rymsza, AIA

Contemporary Exterior by Oakland Architects & Designers Cathy Schwabe Architecture

Modern Exterior by Kansas City Design-Build Firms Hufft Projects

Traditional Exterior by Alexandria Architects & Designers Moore Architects, PC

Craftsman Exterior by Alexandria Architects & Designers Moore Architects, PC

Farmhouse Exterior by Stillwater Architects & Designers Ron Brenner Architects

Modern Exterior by Seattle Architects & Designers FINNE Architects

Resources and Photo Credits:

Photos: http://www.houzz.com

The Distinctive Home: A Vision of Timeless Design Paperback – Bargain Price, April 11, 2006 by Jeremiah Eck

6 Tips for Stress-Free Home Renovations: on Time, in Budget and The Way You Wanted

Modern Exterior by Kansas City Design-Build Firms Hufft Projects

Renovation can be very stressful. It's not like the television shows - they are dirtier, harder and more difficult than any close-up can capture. It doesn't matter if you live in an apartment and need to repaint the kitchen or if you live in a mansion and need to rebuild the entire house, you can just about guarantee that the things you haven't anticipated will go wrong, the budget will blow out and you'll want to shout at someone. Here are some practical tips to get your renovation done well, stress-free, on budget and exactly how you wanted.

In Harmony Home Projects, we believe it is possible to have a stress-free and enjoyable renovation experience. We achieve this by making it our priority to work closely with our clients to ensure they have a great experience working with us.

Here are some practical Tips For Stress-Free Home Renovation Projects:

1.   Know What you Want:

Take time to plan your renovation project by documenting your ideas, establishing renovation priorities.  Find a renovation company/contractor and a designer or ideally a design- build Renovation Company that offers both services.

Modern Kitchen by Seattle Architects & Designers SHED Architecture & Design

2.     Design and Plan:

Working with a renovation company /contractor and a designer develop schematic design (this usually involves a rough layout of the floor plan and some simple views of the interior / exterior) and ideally preliminary material selections. If the project is or the homeowners want additional changes made to the schematics, this initial design phase can take several weeks or or even months.

3.     Establish Budget and Finances:

Once a final schematic design has been completed, the renovation company / contractor will develop a preliminary estimate of cost. If a design / build firm develops the preliminary design the estimating will take less time. To be safe, set aside 10-15 per cent of your budget as a reserve portion to cover any surprises.

Modern Kitchen by San Francisco Architects & Designers Nick Noyes Architecture

4.     Select Contractor and Begin Construction:

Work with a company you trust. Above all, trust is key. Working with a company that you trust and that have a proven track record will reduce your stress level. Because you can’t see the finished product before signing on the dotted line, a great deal of trust is required. It’s also important to know that your contractor will be there throughout the process to help reduce any anxiety you may have.

Contemporary Bathroom by Salem Design-Build Firms Kaufman Homes, Inc.

5. Stay Involved and Communicate with Your Team:

Keep yourself involved by attending all of the available construction meetings so you can know what to expect during major construction milestones. During the entire process, keep the communication lines open. That’s why at Harmony Home Projects we stay in close contact with our clients every step of the way. This ensures the client’s vision is being created and everything is going smoothly – for everybody involved.

Contemporary Bathroom by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Jeffers Design Group

6.     Embrace Your Emotions and Relax:

If you feel yourself getting stressed out, find a way to solve any important issues and get rid of stress – for example, talk to your contractor if you aren’t happy with a choice that have been made. Then try to let things go. Take a break – leave the Reno site and do something to de-stress. Remember this is a creative project. Have fun being involved in the process and watching your home get built. It may be a big event to deal with right now, but the result will be your dream home, your vision brought to life.

Modern Exterior by New York Architects & Designers BWArchitects (formerly Basil Walter Architects)

Harmony Home Project services Calgary and Calgary, surrounding areas. If you’re looking for a design /build renovation company give us a call at (403) 923-2996.

Resources and Photo Credits:

Photos: http://www.houzz.com