The USGBC is extremely pleased to approve the certification of the LEED for the Homes project, at 64 Holbrooke Road, White Plains, NY, designed by Christina Griffin Architects, built by Murphy Brothers Contracting, Inc., verified by Pasquale Strocchia, and supported by Guaranteed Watt Saver. This project received a "LEED Gold" rating. The renovation project will also be featured in the upcoming Winter issue of Westchester Home magazine, as the recipient of their "top renovation" Design Award. There will be a LEED for Homes Certificate Presentation Ceremony at the home on December 17th at 11am. White Plains Mayor, Thomas Roach will present homeowner Gerry Angel with the LEED for Homes Gold certificate. Also, on hand will be many of the subcontractors and suppliers who helped make the project an award-winning success.  

 

About the Project : A Metamorphosis... 21st Century Whole House Renovation; Environmentally Responsible, Energy-Efficient, Beautifully Designed.    

This White Plains residence is as an excellent example of a 1950s ranch that has been transformed into a model of sustainable living. The primary goal of the project was to balance low energy use with green materials to achieve a LEED for Homes Gold rating. It is the first LEED for Homes project in White Plains, NY, and the first single family LEED for Homes project in Westchester County.

 

The house has been renovated and expanded to have 3,893sf of floor area with an enlarged open Living/Dining/Kitchen area and deck, and the addition of a Master Bedroom suite, designed to have a flowing airy interior that opens to views of a lush wooded property, providing the homeowners a connection to the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. Thoughtful decision making went into the selection of green materials that are not only have a low impact on the environment, but are also superior in strength and durability.

 

The home has many features aimed at conserving energy and use of renewable energy sources.

• The heating, air conditioning, and domestic hot water are supplied by a direct exchange ground source geothermal system.
• (HRV) heat recovery ventilation system will maintain a healthy indoor air climate.
• Solar PV panels on the roof provide 7.8 KW of electrical power to cover the full electricity demand for the house.
• The interior space is flooded with daylight, reducing the electricity demand for light fixtures which are all energy saving LED and fluorescent fixtures.
• All paint products are VOC free, and all cabinets and construction materials are formaldehyde free.
• The landscape design makes use of drought resistant native plants irrigated by a rain harvesting collection system to reduce water demand.

 

A new glass and stone entry and a new roof with deep overhangs add visual interest; the existing aluminum siding was upgraded to natural cedar; and the asphalt driveway was replaced by two rows of locally harvested stone tire tracks. Energy-efficient Marvin windows and doors were installed throughout.   Within a reasonable budget, our client led by example to inspire others, showing that green choices and aesthetic choices work in delightful harmony with each other.

 

With 76% increased energy efficiency over International Energy Conversion Code (HERS Index of 24) and 94% of construction waste diverted from landfill, the project exceeded its conversion goals. The client has 1,000 square feet of additional interior space, a more open floor plan that brings nature in, and many green features including energy-saving spray foam insulation, geothermal heating and cooling in place of oil heating, custom energy-efficient windows, solar panels, LED lighting, water-saving fixtures and sustainable landscaping. It is expected that her monthly energy bills will be, on average, under $100 for heating & cooling, hot water and electricity.

 

A metamorphosis! From a caterpillar to a butterfly, this visionary home is truly a 21st century transformation/example of environmentally responsible, energy -efficient, beautifully designed and very comfortable Westchester living.

 

About the Architect & Interior Design

Established in 1988, Christina Griffin Architect has designed buildings, interiors and public spaces throughout the New York metropolitan area. Projects range from renovation, restoration and new construction of private residences to civic and commercial projects. The firm has adopted principles of green design and sustainability, which are demonstrated in their recent projects. They also believe in promoting creativity and individualism in design through a collaborative process with the client. Christina Griffin is a LEED AP (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) and the firm is a member of the US Green Building Council (USGB).

www.christinagriffinarchitect.com

(914) 478-0799

 

About the Client

Many thanks to Ms. Gerry Angel. To find a client whose priority is to transform her home into a model of sustainability is rare, but to work with someone so passionate about green construction that her site becomes a learning center and public forum on ecological building is extraordinary. With multiple public open house tours and seminars held from March through August 2012, the project attracted hundreds of people - neighbors, students, architects, designers, builders, realtors, vendors - all gathered to learn the advantages of sustainable living. Gerry, a Westchester-based Eco-Broker, wrote in her own GREEN Blog, "If these green products and systems exist, enabling us to create a more energy efficient, healthier home while at the same time affording us the opportunity to maintain a more sustainable environment, then we should avail ourselves of them so that each one of us can contribute to a more sustainable society and ultimately a more sustainable universe."

   

About the General Contractor

Murphy Brothers Contracting, Inc. is known throughout the Westchester Hudson Valley region and southern Fairfield County for building beautifully designed custom homes, picture perfect whole home renovations, distinctive commercial projects, such as country clubs and office fit-outs, and their own line of custom cabinetry and millwork. Murphy Brothers believes that building "green" simply means building smart, and that all 21st century construction, whether it's residential or commercial, should be environmentally responsible, energy efficient and beautifully designed.

www.murphybrothers.com 

info@murphybrothers.com 

(914) 777-5777

 

About Pasquale Strocchia / Integral Building & Design, Inc.

Integral Building & Design is an independent team of building performance professionals committed to energy efficiency and sustainability. Specializing in high performance building and deep-energy retro-fits, they provide building professionals and homeowners with quality experience and assurance. They believe that buildings should be safe, affordable and made to last generations. Nationally accredited by Building performance Institute (BPI) and RESNET.

Tele: 845-255-0418

pasquale@integralbuilding.com 

 

About Guaranteed Watt Saver (GWS)

GWS acts as the LEED Provider's Quality Assurance Designee (QAD) for all Integral Building & Design's LEED-H Projects.

(888) 488-0206.

info@gwssi.com 

 

About USGBC & LEED for Homes

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a program that provides third-party verification of green buildings. Building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Prerequisites and credits differ for each rating system, and teams choose the best fit for the project.

LEED for Homes is the certification systems for Multifamily and Single Family projects

U.S. Green Building Council

homes@usgbc.org 

www.usgbc.org 

 

Project Awards

• Westchester Hudson Valley AIA Chapter "Citation" Design Award
• HBRA-CT HOBI Award (CT-NAHB Chapter) for "Best Energy-Efficient Green Remodel"
• HBRA-CT HOBI Award (CT-NAHB Chapter) for "Best Promotional Event for a Home"
• Chrysalis Regional Award Best Green Remodeling Project (Qualified Remodeler magazine)
• Professional Remodeling (magazine) Silver Award for Green Remodel
• BAHV (Westchester -Hudson Valley NAHB Chapter) Pinnacle Award   "Best Green Remodeling Project"
• Westchester Home (magazine) Design Award: Top Renovation