Green

GREEN……..What is this “new” word that no longer immediately conjures thoughts of my favorite crayon or half the hillside roof tops in Pigeon Forge?

GREEN DESIGN? GREEN CONSTRUCTION? GREEN LIVING?

Are these the “buzzwords” for the last half of the first decade in the new millennium or should we really be paying attention?

Well, pay attention folks.

The term has been around for longer than you might imagine. After 25 years of designing homes, I can’t say that I have ever had a client not care about energy efficiency, lower heating and utility costs and environmentally friendly strategies. It’s almost as common as the “what’s this gonna cost?” question.

‘Green’ design isn’t a different process. But you might say it’s more visible today than ever before. According to John McMillan, Vice President of Marketing at Hickory Construction, “Building green is more about energy efficiency than about recycled products. Its about proper installation and building practices in areas such as insulation and house wraps. It isn’t as if ‘green’ is such a different process. Yes, there are elements that are unique, but many elements are the same as basic construction.”

So what makes a home green? According to architect Peter Pfeiffer in the August 2008 Better Homes and Gardens, the top three characteristics of a green home are:

Saves Energy – Having energy saving mechanical systems (such as hydronic water heaters, low-flow toilets and Energy-Star rated appliances) in a well-insulated home is the key to that goal.

Improves Health – Detached garages or carports ensure that toxic air keeps its distance. Green-built house also use nontoxic paint and have carefully sized heating and air conditioning systems, which thoroughly filter and dehumidify the air. In addition, these houses make use of high-quality exhaust fans and offer ways to bring in fresh air.

Reduces Impact – Building on infill property is inherently eco-friendly. According to Pfeiffer, “Stores and schools are already nearby; so are utilities like water, sewer and electricity. Truly building green means not having to create everything anew.”

Not embarking on a new design and construction project? You can also make an impact and “Go Green” by implementing simple and cost effective changes to your existing home with these tips:

Trade out incandescent for fluorescent and LED light bulbs

Add insulation to your attic flooring and attic walls

Replace toilets and showerheads with low-flow fixtures

Upgrade appliances with those that are Energy Star- certified

Repair or replace the ductwork to ensure your home is properly sealed

Shade windows prone to excess light with exterior awnings and interior shade devices.

Make sure all windows and doors are weather tight.

So, think about it – why not start your project by setting some ‘green’ guidelines and goals? Engage this concept – a concept that your architect should already be practicing.

I promise it’s not as hard (nor as expensive) as you may think.

Welcome to Daryl Johnson's Blog

Welcome to our new residential website. Many of our friends in various regions of the country know Johnson Architecture for the creative and comfortable homes that we have created for them. But believe it or not, almost as many think we’re only a commercial design firm. What you may or may not know is that we have been designing single family homes for discerning clients since 1985. In 1993, at the birth of Johnson Architecture, we began to do it full time and our client list is filled with friends and clients that we still see and interact with.

Therefore, we are proud to launch our new website devoted to you, the purveyor of fine architect-created custom homes and retreats. A site that not only showcases what we do and have done, but can assist our current and future clients with creating a lifestyle that they’ve always envisioned. Scott Harrop, Kristin Grove and I have worked very hard with Tom Namey of Namey Design Studios to create a site that was friendly and comforting — like an old blanket or your Golden Retriever. In the future we hope to continue to update and keep you abreast of the ever-evolving residential design aspect of our practice. Please take the time to visit, enjoy and stay awhile. Then come back, often, to keep up with where we are and where we’re going. I hope we can help take you where you want to go too.

Other future topics:

• How does ‘green’ affect my home design?
• How do I choose a builder? What should I ask?
• Saving energy is easier than you think
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• What is Practical Luxury?
• Choosing a Design Professional – Guidelines for Clients