WHAT IS LEED?
LEED is a green building certification system which takes into account major categories, including: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation in Design and Regional Priority. Buildings can qualify for the various levels of certification from Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum (Platinum being the most acclaimed and sustainable).
I set out with a goal to build a LEED platinum house in Kensington, MD. A lot of work and planning went into this project, even before the construction phase. As is the case with every sustainable project, the preparation work is just as important as the building process itself. Months of designing and planning has finally led to construction.
ABOUT THE SITE
There are not many vacant lots around in urban, walkable areas. However, after finding this one, in Kensington, we decided to go for it (even with a 20′ grade change from front to back). It is a great location, less than a 1/2 mile to the train station and town, just outside the historic district (making permitting much easier), and in a great neighborhood. We looked at lots with houses already on them that could be worked with, but the price was significantly higher and we thought it would limit our design.
That said, designing with limitations is infinitely easier than with a clean slate. Somehow the limitations let you explore more creative options. But luckily the site itself provided significant limitations – steep slope, set back requirements, zoning, and, unexpectedly, forest conservation requirements
Overview | House Elevations | Levels | Site Plan | Organizing Priniciples | Details
