When an environmental science professor tapped Paul Charette to oversee the architecture and interior design of an all-new and environmentally conscious home in Port St. Lucie, the Boca Raton architect proved that while going green in terms of real estate is not exactly simple, it’s certainly worth the effort. By working closely with the builder, contractor, and landscape architect, Charette and the team delivered a modern house that meets the strict standards of sustainability set forth by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), an organization dedicated to improving the state’s environment through verified green certification standards for private dwellings, land developments, high-rises, and commercial spaces.
Obtaining the FGBC’s green home certification for this house was rather important to the homeowner, wasn’t it?
Yes, very important. As part of her ethos, she wanted to incorporate sustainable products that were ethically sourced and local whenever that was possible [to reduce the construction’s carbon footprint].
In order for a Florida home to attain the FGBC green certification it has to meet a number of specific requirements. How does this house do that?
In terms of energy efficiency, all appliances and HVAC systems are Energy Star-certified, which means they use less electricity. We installed rain barrels and a reflective metal roof for resource conservation. When it comes to health and durability, there are no volatile organic compounds used in the hickory flooring and stairs, nor in the dining table and chairs. We also used eco textiles on many of the sofas and chairs in the house.
How does this home’s energy use differ from that of a home that’s not green?
This house uses one third of the energy that a non-green house this size would use.
How does the home’s landscape design adhere to the green certification?
The main goal in that regard was to preserve the natural riverscape, as the home sits on the North Fork St. Lucie River Aquatic Preserve, which is part of Florida’s Save Our Rivers program. The plants around the primary residence are 50 percent Florida native and 50 percent Florida-friendly selections. Plants that need similar soil and water amounts were chosen to take advantage of the land conditions.
What were some of the sustainable design measures taken inside the home?
Whenever possible, the interior design decisions were made with safety, quality, and sustainability in mind. The fabrics we used are all organic and certified so that they pose no health risks to humans or pets. All the furniture was fabricated in the U.S., and the wood to make the furniture is either from the U.S. or FSC-certified, which meets several criteria as to how the wood was forested. We installed polished concrete flooring on the first level, which reduced materials. And we finished the wood floors on the second level with a hard wax oil, as opposed to linseed, which contributes to better air quality inside the house.
Once all these measures are taken in the construction phase, what is the FGBC certification process like?
You must document all these selections, and the plans and specifications are sent for approval. After that, there are two additional inspections, one before the drywall is installed, and the other before the final building begins.
What was the homeowner’s reaction once the house was finished?
She was completely pleased that the residence is as comfortable as it is energy efficient. And she was thrilled with the way the architecture opens the house to the river. She’s sent me several videos that she’s captured from her bedroom’s balcony showing dolphins and manatees swimming in the water. She calls the house “pure bliss.”
Story Credits:
Text by Christopher Day
Residential Photography by Tyler Sargent
Paul Charette photo courtesy of Charette International Architecture
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