Current LEED for Homes Projects
LaeLae Residence Kamuela Hawaii
The LaeLae Residence project is a “gut-rehab” LEED for Homes project where the existing house is being substantially remodeled. The clients, mindful of indoor air quality, concerned about the environment, and motivated to become more energy efficient, elected to pursue LEED for Homes Certification through the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes program.
Project overview:
This residence is uniquely situated in the heart of Waimea town making it close enough to be walking distance to shops, restaurants, parks, an interurban trail, and many other businesses. Since the house is a remodel project, the existing property has already been developed and the project does not contribute to urban sprawl or habitat destruction.
The residence has been re-designed to be durable, healthy to live in, environmentally friendly, and to use energy and water efficiently.
To achieve this tall order, it incorporates passive heating and cooling strategies through improved building envelope performance (insulation, air sealing) Low E insulated glass windows and insulated glass doors, enhanced spray foam insulation, radiant heat rejecting roof sheathing, and an Energy Star qualified Metal roof.
Water usage reduction strategies include: A drought tolerant, climate specific native landscaping design, and a water efficient irrigation system incorporating drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors and specific zones for differing species demands. Rain water harvesting for landscaping reuse is incorporated using a cistern system and a retention pond, while Indoor water usage reduction strategies incorporate low flow faucets, fixtures and toilets as well as “on demand” hot water recirculation.
Energy efficiency strategies include: installation of Energy Star qualified appliances, and compact fluorescent light fixtures. Power co generation is achieved through a 4KW photo voltaic net metering system, and hot water is generated using a solar thermal hot water system.
Regionally produced or manufactured materials are used throughout the house, and where applicable components of the existing house have been reused.
High indoor environmental quality has been achieved through the use of low and no Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) products such as paints and finishes, as well as proper product selection such as hard floor surfaces, paperless sheet rock and stone/tile entry areas. Ventilation strategies are in place to provide fresh air while being careful to exhaust moist air from bathrooms, and combustion air from kitchen cooking appliances.
