The goal of the PlayHaven Green Building Project is the creation of:

1. An existing residence 'green' renovation that incorporates:
• High efficiency and conservation,
• Improved indoor air quality,
• Sustainable material features,
• The addition of renewable energy production,
• And becomes a successful, self-sufficient organic farm.
  
  
2. New construction of a complex that:
   • Is energy efficient, and meets ENERGY STAR and LEED® for Homes qualifications,
• Uses renewable energy systems,
• Combines new technology with recycled and reclaimed products,
• Is designed to meet the needs of the homeowners, and,
• Promotes a sustainable lifestyle.

The PHGB Project website is available so that any interested party can:

• Follow the progress of improvements and construction,
• Get information about the energy efficiency and green building techniques used,
• Find information about the products used, and
• Learn to incorporate these features into their next project.

Background

Many years ago, I discovered the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) and its LEED® Program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). And, although at that time it was only for commercial construction, I decided that it was a good place to start networking. Surely, one of those members would know some residential architect or contractor or builder who would be interested in working with me on my sustainable house project...THEY DID!

And so, I was introduced to Ken Riead (of Hathmore Technologies, LLC). Ken is an Energy Rater and had also just finished building his own home (The Replete Residence) to showcase what energy efficiency options were available at that time to any homeowner.

Over the years, I have had the great fortune to become friends with Ken and Sharla Riead. Most recently, we co-authored a green building tool: DYO® Kits: Green Building Decision Kit. (DYO® Kits is a division of Hathmore Technologies, LLC.) I am very proud to be associated with such a fine group of people and comprehensive product. Shameless plug intended... in fact, go to the website and buy the thing! (You'll be glad you did!)

Hathmore Technologies, LLC has been engaged to be the Energy Rating company for the PHGB Project. Additionally, they will provide consulting on the HVAC and renewable energy systems AND will oversee the LEED® for Homes certification process.

Anyone who has built a home will tell you that there are peaks and valleys in the process... from soaring heights of excitement to deep, dark valleys of despair. We had some trouble when it came to architects (this is putting it mildly - set us back two years all told). But we made it out of the valley and ...

Ken introduced my husband and I to Roy Brown. Roy had been designing energy efficient, environmentally-friendly homes since the 1970s. Luckily for us, he was up to the task of taking my years of designing and re-designing the house and providing us with an end product that fits us to a "T". The house is designed in the American Bungalow style (at 2500+ square feet, no one would ever confuse this house for an actual bungalow... but after living in a 900 sq.ft. bungalow for 17 years, I am ready for a bit of space!). So, the plans were finally ready to take to a contractor.

The saga continues... click here and start at the bottom.