As the green building movement is taking over America it has finally reached the South of Florida as well. Green or sustainable construction can be described as the latest trend in the USA. Indeed it is not a trend but a realization that the construction industry is one of the largest contributors to depleting natural resources, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Furthermore the current way of erecting structures leaves the habitants exposed to toxins, artificial lighting and limited quality of air.
The sustainable movement seeks to change all this and has already made a huge impact into the industry. Structures are built with recycled materials, waste to landfills is regulated and minimized and green roofs are finding their way to relieve some of the heat gain produced by otherwise useless surfaces. Buildings are integrated with advanced lighting and temperature control systems; water is preserved and reused where possible. Even solar panels and wind turbines are installed to provide green power to fuel the building without the need for outside, usually fossil fuel based, energy.
Leading stated like California and the Northeast are already showing a large number of these projects completed and are demonstrating the benefit of them with hard figures. South Florida has some unique challenges that make implementation of some of these features difficult. The subtropical climate and high humidity require more conditioning of the built environment, reducing the possibility of natural cross ventilation and heat. Hurricanes do their part to add to the construction regulations and tighten the building codes, limiting some of the elements that can otherwise be installed without much hassle such as external solar panels, cisterns or screen doors.
The local market is transforming and many projects are seen in the planning stages. Some professionals, like myself, are already taking the next step and incorporate many of the available features, materials and technologies, making every project a bit more green. Green is a relative term and I much prefer sustainable design over the currently coined green design. Sustainable design, as I define it, incorporates not just some of the new technologies, available materials and non toxic elements, but it considers the long term benefit and use of a project. This concept carries through from design all the way to paint and furniture selection.
The initial design must consider location, be it a new home or an interior renovation. What are the best features of the project? Where is the natural light coming from? What is the direction of the wind? Once the outside elements are understood the design already begins to take shape. After the structure is erected the selection of area appropriate finish materials should be considered. Find recycled or reclaimed materials where possible. Many new companies are bringing their creations to the growing market. Recycled glass counter tops, coconut palm or cork flooring, slag cement or natural clay plaster. Install all this with non toxic adhesives and use non toxic paint. The improvement in air quality is noticeable from the first day, even during installation. These material and practices reduce asthma and improve overall health.
Installation of high efficiency water fixtures, faucets and appliances does not just reduce the amount of water used but also lowers monthly expenses. Digitally controlled air conditioning systems, motion sensors to regulate lights and energy star refrigerators and cook tops further impact your power bill. Going green is not just good for your health and the environment but also for your wallet.
Not all pieces of a project must be green. Sustainable also means enduring. With this in mind, when furnishing a project, the selection typically finds its way to the higher end of the spectrum. The reason for this is simple. In general we are less likely to throw away a ten thousand dollar sofa, rather, if taste has changed, it can be reupholstered. Is the structure is well finished items will last decades, reducing the waste to landfills. Price is by no means the guiding factor but awareness of future use guides many decisions to decorate. Can this item be reused in the future? Can the item and even the layout adapt to future needs?
Case in point is a recently completed project of mine: The Viola Hollywood condo.
The project is an oceanfront condominium located on the seventh floor of a building in Hollywood, Florida.
The program required to maximize the ocean view with windows only one side of the flat. The owner wanted a lasting decor that would allow adapting with minimal or no alterations in the future.
The inspirations for the design are the ocean, waves and the local residence. The layout is based on shapes of waves and the form of the ellipse to convey a sense of fluidity and motion. The shape was carried through into the selection of lamps and furniture. Items were selected for multiple use by design and mobility, such as two lounge chairs that work alone, at the bar or the living room.
Limited floor to ceiling ratio was visually enhanced by color and material selection. Some items were reused within the unit. Construction debris was separated by type. Wall mirrors, wood studs and hardware were donated. The existing water heater and air conditioning unit were in good working condition and remain.
New materials were selected with the indoor air quality and the overall well being of the owner and contractor in mind. Non VOC paint and adhesives, rapidly renewable material, coconut palm for the floor and natural stones were selected. FSC certified wood for kitchen cabinets and regional material, such as soap stone, were integrated.
Even though a professional designer can best assist in the selection and implementation of these practices, there are many things that can be done by anyone. Start with your air condition system and change the thermostat to a digital model. Program it to raise the temperature when no one is in the building and lower it half an hour before returning home. Change the light bulbs to energy star bulb. When replacing appliances, look for the water and power use data and select a high efficiency model.
Having received my education at the University of Miami with a strong focus on traditional architecture and design, the real world of construction was disappointing to me and lacking quality in many aspects. My upbringing in Hamburg, Germany left me searching for a better way to build and I found the green movement. The USA is a quite a bit behind the curve as compared to Germany. Green roofs, natural ventilation and energy conscious design are basic practice, not here. But things are changing; changing for the better. A notional not-for profit organization called the US Green Building Council can probably be credit with the changes we are seeing in the USA. They created a voluntary checklist called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) that allows to specifically measure changes to the structure and also recognizes the achievement. There is still a long way to go, but changes are occurring.
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