Rendering Courtesy of Re:Vision Architecture

Chestnut Hill, PA – Gardner/Fox was retained by the George Woodward Company to serve as the development manager of four homes designed by Re:Vision Architecture to qualify for Gold Rated LEED certification. The buildings may be the first homes registered for a LEED for Homes Gold rating to be built in Philadelphia (under the current certification requirements).

From a building technology standpoint, the houses are super insulated (R60 roof and R32 walls) with bio based foam insulation (a soy product). Because the houses are completely air-tight, fresh outdoor air will be brought in via a highly efficient air exchanger. Mechanical systems consist of geo-thermal heat pumps with one 300 foot well per house. Standing seam aluminum roofs and aluminum clad windows with insulated glass have a longer life cycle and allow for future recycling.

All of the finish materials were selected for their environmental sensitivity. Care was taken to avoid the use of materials substantially manufactured or finished with petro chemical products. Sustainable bamboo flooring will cover living area floors and bathroom floors will be ceramic tile. The ceramic tile and many of the other materials used in the house are made from recycled products.

From a site standpoint, rainwater will be collected from the roofs for watering the gardens. Patios and driveways will be made of pervious materials to retain as much storm water as possible for water table recharge.

Architecture: Re:Vision Architecture
Leed Consultant: MaGrann Associates