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Steven Winter Associates’ Residential Projects Receive 2013 Green Building Awards

JUNE 28, 2013

Steven Winter Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce three of the firm’s recent residential projects in the State of Connecticut, Chamberlain Heights, The Performance House, and The Lawrence Residence, were honored at the 2013 Green Building Awards. The awards were presented by the Connecticut Green Building Council (CTGBC) on June 20, 2013 at Gateway Community College in New Haven, Connecticut.

CTGBC’s Green Building Awards honor energy-saving and cost-efficient projects that promote a sustainable future for Connecticut. Newly constructed and renovated residential, commercial, public, and institutional properties that have been substantially completed by December 2012, are recognized for their use of innovative green building techniques. Judges evaluate submissions according to the quality of design solutions, energy usage, water conservation strategies, building material selections, site design, indoor air quality, and overall aesthetics.

Chamberlain Heights
CTGBC awarded Chamberlain Heights, located in the City of Meriden, the Award of Honor in the residential building category. SWA served as the LEED® for Homes™ and ENERGY STAR® Provider and Rater for the public housing redevelopment project. The renovation included implementing a comprehensive landscape and surface water management plan with 90% drought-tolerant plants, reduced turf, and rain gardens. Environmentally preferable products (EPP) were used by incorporating recycled decking materials, exclusively low-VOC paints, and primers, and by reusing a large portion of existing wall, floor, and roof framing.
To insulate the space, the team used a combination of high density rigid foam on the exterior upper stories and closed cell foam on the stud walls. This hybrid approach allowed for the preservation of existing brick, while still providing superior air sealing and insulation. High efficiency air conditioning (SEER 16), a gas furnace (94 AFUE), and a tankless water heater were installed along with ENERGY STAR lights, appliances, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

The Performance House
The Performance House, located in Old Greenwich, received an Award of Merit in recognition of its energy and resource efficiency. High-quality insulation and innovative techniques were used to achieve a tight envelope. This allowed for the installation of smaller, more efficient heating and cooling systems in comparison to those found in similar-sized homes. An energy recovery ventilator (ERV) and low VOC paints and sealants were installed to improve indoor air quality. After attaining the highest level of efficiency with building systems, appliances, lighting, and equipment, the home reached HERS Index 43. The 6.6 kW photovoltaic system, neatly tucked away on the south facing roof, drops the Index to 20 and provides a renewable source for the electric car charging station.

The home has earned a number of certifications including the LEED for Homes Platinum, National Green Building Standard™ Emerald, WaterSense®, Indoor airPLUS®, and ENERGY STAR. The Performance House also became the second home in the country to attain the United States Department of Energy Challenge Home Certification. Additionally, the house was awarded second place in the 2012 Connecticut Zero Energy Home Challenge and named Best Green Energy Efficient Spec Home in 2011 by Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Connecticut.

The Lawrence Residence
The Lawrence Residence, located in Rowayton, received an Award of Merit, validating the design and construction team’s dedication to sustainability. The home is situated on a previously developed site with retaining walls and native plantings, gently sloping toward existing wetlands that were carefully protected during construction. Energy efficient features such as a Superior Wall® foundation, .8 lb open cell foam, and efficient framing techniques were used to create a tight thermal envelope. The ground source heat pumps, tank-less hot water heater, and energy recovery ventilator provide efficient HVAC.
Much of the existing home was deconstructed and donated to a local charity prior to demolition and 91% of construction debris was diverted from landfills or incinerators. Throughout the process, the team worked to incorporate sustainable solutions, choosing a natural gas fireplace instead of a wood burning one and using low VOC finishes and flooring.