Home Expo: Orlando

James just returned from a Home Expo in Orlando, Florida. According to him, the word of the day is 'green' as building materials try to offer products that emphasize efficiency. Condensing boilers, thermal barriers, windows with thermal breaks, icynene insulation filled the convention center. This 6' mini-wind turbine at 25mph generates 1,000 watts of power, but can product electricity in as little as 1 mph winds. I've been concerned about wind power and birds, but recently read a blog post on Treehugger refuting the dangers wind turbines pose to the avian population.
James said the convention gave him an opportunity to explore the new options out there for upcoming projects and I even got a treat for the yard: an earth-friendly homasote birdhouse made out of post-consumer recycled newsprint.

Bouler Architecture: New Sketches

Bouler Architecture is starting a new project in West Islip, on the Great South Bay. We had a successful meeting last night with our new client, and this is the sketch of the rear, water-facing elevation. The lower curve is a covered, exposed structure that covers the water side patio. Above the patio is the master bedroom balcony. Inside the master bedroom, we are proposing a third level mezzanine, with an interior stair that will also serve to seperate the master bedroom's sleeping area from the sitting room.
We also have wonderful south facing roof over the garage, where we will incorporate a 10KW solar panel system. We are also using a geo-thermal heat pump. Our goal, after intstalling spray in insulation, energy-efficient windows, is to be 80% more efficient... or very close to Zero Energy.

Methods in Green Architecture

As it stands today, buildings account for 39% of energy use in the United States. There are a variety of approaches to greening our architecture. As the Oak Beach project hits the one year mark, I was curious how the series of alternative energy features (photovoltaic, white roof, reclaimed lumber, geothermal, high-efficiency windows, blown-in insulation, passive design, and radiant heating) were functioning in terms of enegy costs. According to the fab client, her system seems to be cranking the power out. Even with the lack of sun this winter she's over the expected production according to the installer. Talk about over achieving.

Another way to green architecture is to use what already exists. Instead of discarding a building to start over, retrofitting a building with better windows and insulation, reusing and restoring what already exists seems like another important option. The Islip Fire Department had contemplated taking down their current and outdated fire house built in the 1920's, but James worked with them to find ways to improve the building and keep it intact. Still under construction, this building maintains its historical significance in town while becoming more efficient in terms of function and energy use.

The Trier Entry

James had the great fortune to go to Trier, Germany to check out the Unilux window factory. Traveling with thirty other contruction professionals, he saw thermal break technology for high-efficiency buildings and the mahogany line of windows. The demonstration of the fine line curtain wall system for modern buildings also impressed him. The tour included three building sitesin the area where Unilux products were installed.

Trier itself was an intriguing place to visit. The city, the oldest in Germany, had a distinct Roman influence, having once been a capital for the ancient empire. In particular, the Episcopal winery housed its wines in the underground stone vaults, complete with Romanesque arches. The urban fabric of the downtown city square was decked out for the annual Christmas fair, where James wandered the city with a hot mug of mulled cider in hand. Overall it was a great experience to see Unilux products in a European context.