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| Cultivate Green |
June 22, 2005
In this session we were fortunate enough to be treated to a introspective review of the work of LaVerne Williams, AIA, LEED AP architect and building ecologist (www.environmentassoc.com). He has been dedicated since the mid 1970's to the exclusive creation of environmental architecture that contributes to the overall quality of life in the hot and humid Houston region. LaVerne gave an overview of the exciting design approach his firm uses to design a home or building. Environment Associates has been perfecting a unique design approach that goes far beyond the usual issues of floor plan layouts, the aesthetic "look" of a home and cost issues. They also include personal health (indoor air quality), energy use, durability, functionality, comfort, site design, and environmental issues, holistic design issues.
LaVerne has used a variety of building systems such as earth sheltered, heavy timber, straw bale, insulated concrete forms, concrete block and many others. Key factors regarding the projects discussed were the use of solar voltaic cells, the use of natural systems, green materials, site specific and microclimate based design. By taking these processes into consideration all the projects were designed with healthy indoor air quality.
In all the projects the most important part of the process is the initial design interview with the clients. If this is done properly then the design of the home values everyone in the process children included and the result is one which is much more satisfying. LaVerne takes serious pride in his attention to the orientation of the house (and knowing where true south is), the surrounding buildings, encompassing ecosystems, the needs of the client, air flow to the property and other initial criteria unique to the site which he personally walks.
An early solar project involving a south orientation with a passive designed ventilation system in Brenham was discussed and examined. He used vent skin walls with shaded windows on the south wall. Bricks were used to increase the internal mass to help cool and heat the home along with unique water heating system and a passive solar design.
The second project was described as a microclimate responsive project. The final design satisfied the unique design criteria requested by the Client. Each bedroom had its own balcony and view, ventilation was provided by a dog run, redirecting walls, and vent skinning. Even the mosquitoes were taken into consideration.
A third example of the eight presented was an earth bermed house that had an interesting greenhouse in the center of the home. A straw bale home with a dirt filled, old tire water well house was the next example of the durability and functionality LaVerne uses in his designs. The passive solar addition to a residence in Bellaire was the last project described for the presentation. He was able to greatly reduce the energy consumption and increase the size of the residence.
Shawn McFarland, AIA, LEED AP Architect, environmentalist and educator with Environment Associates gave insight to the female side of the process that creates ownership of the design so that everyone who will be living there has their own personal desires included in the design. Even children have a place in the design process. She shared her knowledge of the different types of insulation and the value of a healthy living environment.
Shawn also teaches sustainable design through an ongoing Permaculture Design series following her interest and introduction to Permaculture in late 1990's. Permaculture strives for the harmonious integration of human dwellings, microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, and water into stable, productive communities. Energy-efficient buildings, waste water treatment, recycling, and land stewardship are important components of permaculture.
The evening ended with an exciting question and answer hour. One question was about tight building envelops. A tight envelope is very healthy as long as the air intake and out put is controlled. You do not want leaks around vents, light fixtures, duct work widows or doors, electrical outlets, etc. You do want airflow through natural ventilation and an efficient HVAC system. The discussion heated up around healthy building materials. Mylar lined duct work is a commonly used product in both new construction and remodeling. When heat flows through the duct work the Mylar off gases formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. One alternative suggested was to use metal duct with insulation on the outside. Ventilated attics versus non-ventilated attics were discussed in relation to energy savings. Insulating the roof can increase energy savings and help with creating a tight building envelop. Another interesting question was concerning framing materials, steel or wood. Steel is great for the exterior of a building. Because of the conductive properties of steel, wood is more conducive to interior construction. LaVerne discussed the design principle of increasing the internal mass of the building using alternative building materials to help the heating and cooling of the structure. Alternative materials consisted of Straw bale, solid masonry exterior walls, solid wood and tile floors. The session concluded with a realization that by making conscious decisions about the products we use and the way we design our next home or renovation we will move toward a healthier living environment for ourselves and our children.
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| Page Updated/Reviewed: 05/18/2006 1:53 PM |
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