Contributed by Mark Johnson, FAIA
This week I invited my friend, Linda Phillips, to share with Green Chix about her family’s experience after moving into a ‘green home’ on an urban-infill lot within walking distance of downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their home at 723 Spring Street was designed and built by Meadowlark Builders, who specializes in building LEED certified homes. Here are excerpts from our interview along with a few short videos of Linda and her Husband, Scott, sharing about their green lifestyle!
Q. As a home buyer and realtor moving to the Ann Arbor area, what attracted you to the idea of purchasing and living in a 'green home?'
A. We were looking for a home with good durability and low energy bills, easy on the environment and little to no maintenance. Also living close to downtown and not having to drive everywhere.
Click on this image to see the Video - Living LEED Platinum - Perspective of a Homeowner
Q. What are the biggest changes in your lifestyle due to living in a LEED Platinum home in an urban area of Ann Arbor?
A. We’ve probably lost a few pounds by walking everywhere and no major life changes. Everything from library, church, meals, haircuts, post office are all walkable. We have saved on gas and become more "urban." We’ve also become more energy and water conscience...turning off lights, monitoring energy use, and using less water.
Click on this image to see the Video - Living LEED Platinum - Introduction to 723 Spring Street
Q. What do you like most and like least about this change in lifestyle?
A. I like the savings and health issues most; cleaner air in the home, walking more and being close to bus line to the city. The least likable was not even significant. I didn’t really notice anything not to like.
Click on this image to see the Video - Interview with Meadowlark Builders - Doug Selby & Larry Maciag
Q. Some builders are now promoting that they build green homes. What tips do you recommend to others who are considering buying a green home? Is there anything they should watch out for? Any suggestions for determining if a builder is authentic vs. pandering to the green trend via “green washing?"
A. You should ask for certifications. For example, our home is LEED Platinum certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Our builder also provided an owner’s manual with extensive information on the materials in the home and operating mechanics. Buyers should look for an extended warranty for a green home.
Click on this image to see and download the model - 3D Model at Google 3D Warehouse of 723 Spring Street LEED Platinum Home
I’d like to thank Linda for her insights on ‘Living Small, Living Local’ in our interview today! You can learn more about ‘new construction’ green living at the website for 723 Spring Street.
In next week’s blog, we’ll explore a historic retrofit-remodel home in the same Ann Arbor neighborhood. Both of these exciting homes will be open to the public on June 9-10 during MISSION ZERO FEST!
Posted: 5/11/2012 12:36:11 PM by
Heather Wallace | with 1 comments