Come see the future of sustainable home building – Kinsman residence Tour June 7, 2012 – 6 to 7 p.m.

Not everyone will go to the extent of the Kinsman’s to demonstrate sustainability but everyone can learn from their example of where they decided to build to educating the public with tours like this.

6:00 to 7:00 p.m. – 1650 Glen Parker Ave., Northside, Cincinnati, OH 45223 – Free, Max of 20 people, Registration required, email chuck@lohre.com or call 513-260-9025.

Owner and Team Leader:

Builder / Developer: Daniel Heckman
Other Team members: Ken Bradly Roush Architects, Crane Heating & Air Conditioning, Big D Construction & Concrete

LEED Rater: Sanyog Rathod, Sol Developments

Specifications: 2478 sf, 2 stories, 3 bedrooms

HERS Index: 57

One of the first steps in creating this sustainable home was to gather the designers, engineers, contractors with the home owners, Heather & James Kinsman, for an Integrated Project Team series of meetings, Design Charrettes, to design and plan the construction.

Sustainable Site Selection includes benefits for Infill design which uses Existing Infrastructure. By building in Northside the Kinsman’s benefited from Extensive Community Resources, easy access to Transit bus lines and Access to Open Space which even includes their extensive lot. The positioning of the residence Minimized Disturbed Area of wooded Site. The Basic Landscape Design included Limiting Conventional Turf which uses almost double the water of native and Drought Tolerant Plants. By not having an asphalt driveway the home Reduced Local Heat Island Effects. Gravel and pavers allow a Permeable Lot.

Management of Run-off from Roof includes using the rainwater for landscaping and being prepared for using rain water to flush toilets when the City of Cincinnati determines the requirements needed to protect our city water. Kenton County Kentucky has used rainwater for flushing toilets since Twenhofel Middle school was built almost seven years ago.

Very High Efficiency Water Fixtures and Fittings and Energy Star deliver Exceptional Energy Performance. Additional Pipe Insulation and Appropriate HVAC Refrigerants make the heating and cooling system less harmful to the ozone layer and reduce global warming effects.

Framing Efficiencies include designing in 4′ x 8′ modular units with Environmentally Preferable Products. Construction Waste was Reduced. One very important requirement for a well sealed home is Enhanced Combustion Venting Measures and Enhanced Local Exhaust when required.

Even without a conventional heating system, there are conventional electric and gas backup systems. There was construction Indoor Contaminant Control during Construction, Indoor Contaminant Control and a Pre-occupancy Flush to lower the harmful off gases found initially in all natural materials. The Detached Garage keeps carbon monoxide away from the living areas of the home.

Enhanced Training includes sessions with the owners so they understand how to operate the home and do any required maintenance such as changing high efficiency air filters. Wrapping up the process are Public Awareness tours and education programs such as this. To learn more come go to the local Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council who will be having a Green Homes Conference and Exhibition in the fall of 2012.

(12-6-19 301 redirect from lohre.com)