ArtHaus-2: Gut-Rehab LEED Project
From the start the ArtHaus folk's intent was to go for LEED for Homes Platinum on this gut-rehab project, a lofty goal for a rehab and this being their first LEED for Homes project.
Most of Southern California is a desert environment, so implementing water saving design measures in both plumbing and 100% drought-tolerant landscaping was of utmost importance. The building team's use of cutting-edge LED lighting technology , along with CFL's and other fluorescent bulbs, is such that there is zero low-efficiency lighting in the home. The interior envelope was sealed with 1/2" spray foam insulation, followed by fiberglass batts with QII "Quality Insulation Installation."
The original 18-year old home on the site was, as Rich Williams of ArtHaus describes it, "A big, ugly, salmon-colored stucco box." The architects at Smyer Architecture could, however, envision it's greater potential. During the process of deconstruction it was discovered that the home was also a termite-infested box. Only about 40% of the original framing could be retained, but both the old and new framing was treated with non-toxic sodium borate so that it would be termite-proof for the life of the home. The project team was able to recycle or re-use almost all of the deconstruction materials. The transformation of the home has passers-by constantly expressing their appreciation for the work.
ArtHaus, LLC is a small residential development company focusing its work in North County coastal San Diego. The company was formed in 2006 with the intent of specializing in building high-end modern-styled homes in a sustainable manner. The company's design and construction approaches adhere to both the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Homes guidelines and to Build-It-Green's "GreenPoint Rated" guidelines.
Rich Williams, the the company's founder, and Building Manager Matt Friedman work with an incredible team of consultants and contractors who also believe in changing the way our homes are built. Allison Renshaw, company co-founder and a professional artist, is the driving force behind aesthetic design decisions including finish material selection and coordination. ArtHaus-1, scheduled for construction in late 2010, is San Diego's first LEED-H registered project. ArtHaus-3 is scheduled to start in March, 2010. For more info on the ArtHaus projects visit www.ArtHausHome.com