A house designed by LDa Architecture + Interiors takes advantage of the site and places the living room to the south, where expansive windows take in the view and the sun’s rays for warmth and light.
We all know the basics of “going green” in residential design – downsize, repurpose materials, and buy local. But John Day of LDa Architecture + Interiors of Cambridge, Massachusetts, offered more precise suggestions. He showed photographs of beautiful and practical rooms that take advantage of nature, views, and daylight while maximizing solar gain with south-facing windows. He emphasized that using durable materials that will last and not end up in a landfill is another way to keep your project green.
Some little known facts about sustainable designs were revealed by Doug Hanna of S+H Construction of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who said the rules vary from town to town. In Cambridge, for example, sustainability is encouraged and installation of solar panels can supersede historical building regulations and be placed on rooftops of older houses. However in some historic districts in Boston, the equipment must be totally hidden from view.
Outside, you don’t have to rely only on native plants to make a green impression. That’s what Kimberly Mercurio of Kimberly Mercurio Landscape Architecture, also of Cambridge, Massachusetts, advocates. She says to mix native plants with site appropriate plants, and notes she likes to integrate outcroppings of existing stone rather than remove them. She also uses as much recycled stone as possible to create her beautiful hardscapes.
An S+H crew installed a photovoltaic array in Cambridge, where the sustainable outweighs the historic.
Kimberly Mercurio and her clients studied where they were walking most outside, and installed pieces of hardscape to create a stepping-stone effect that also is pervious so water seeps into the ground rather than running off into storm drains.
Sisters and Artefact owners Sue and Maureen Walsh spoke with verve about the products they carry in their store that are locally designed and/or made as well as products such as the Vellum furniture line that is made in the United States.
Our next salon is at the fabulous Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, Massachusetts, where we will be looking to outdoor rooms with “Beyond the Patio.” Here’s more information and how to register: www.designnewengland.eventbrite.com
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