This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Custom Residential Architects Network and Housing Knowledge Community .
-------------------------------------------
Eric,
I appreciate your input. I guess what I am referring to would have to be done by climate zone (I am in Climate zone 5, Midwest). I appreciate your comments for an understanding of good practices for your climate zone. I am a big fan of all the Susanka books and I agree wholeheartedly with her perspective that rather than just adding square footage and unnecessary typical large rooms, the architect should look for ways to customize the house to accommodating functions and spend the saved money on 3d architectural detail rather than plan square footage only which can lead to oversized unused rooms (with the added client cost to furnish them and avoid the "cavernous feel" of some less than furniturized room). All to say nothing of the fact that the client won't use the space for day to day living. Better to provide accommodating multiple functions with well designed "niches" in a larger room rather than an additional room.
Getting back to the point I was trying to make that in our locale we are mandated to meet 2009 IBC Energy Code; that would be the baseline standard. The development of the pricing sheet would address payback timeframe for additional green features. I.E. going beyond the 2009 energy code minimum results in additional cost for the homeowner. Being able to demonstrate how they would benefit and afford it over time would be the key I think and distance ourselves from the "greenwashing" contractors.
I agree with your Renovate, Repurpose, then Replace. Careful site building organization orientation for passive energy savings is always a credo. I love trees and am amazed how long they take to mature and shade and wind/sun screen as appropriate.
Any further thoughts climate zone 5 ers?
Eric, thanks for starting the ball rolling and sharing your best practices for your climate zone. The mini splits sound fraught with possibility.
-------------------------------------------
Peter Brinckerhoff AIA, LEED AP
President
Brinckerhoff and Associates LLC
Glenview IL
-------------------------------------------