We are currently leading a team to design and build a new Agri-Educational Facility for the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in Leesburg, VA. This project is utilizing sustainable design and construction practices and technologies; upon completion, it will apply to become a LEED Certified green building. The new facility will serve as a visitor center that will teach the public about farming and sustainable living.
Project Page
Join us in celebrating our completion of the first LEED Certified Homes in Alexandria!
These two homes were built for Virginia Theological Seminary as faculty housing. The architectural plans by Cole and Denny were originally drawn in 2004 when a first set of houses were built at another location on campus. When the opportunity arose in 2008 to build 2 more houses, the City of Alexandria required through the special use permit that they be built to green standards. We encouraged the Seminary to reach LEED for Homes certification not only to help satisfy the permit requirements, but also to lessen the environmental impact of the houses as well as provide energy cost savings to the owner. The Seminary was excited about the prospect and agreed to make the necessary changes. As the contractor, we took responsibility for coordinating the LEED documentation as well as incorporating the LEED requirements into the existing plans during the process of construction.
Through a lot of strategic coordination, both houses reached LEED for Homes Certification! Some of the homes’ features include: high efficiency HVAC equipment, ENERGY STAR light fixtures and appliances, high efficiency plumbing fixtures, native wildflowers instead of invasive turf grass, a permeable paver driveway that reduces water runoff, spray foam insulation to create an air-tight barrier, and ENERGY STAR thermopane windows and doors. During construction, we diverted 75% of the construction waste from landfills. We also contributed to improved air quality in the homes by using low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, sealants and adhesives, and performing a pre-occupancy air flush to remove any trace of dust or odors.
Check out our resource page for more information on doing your own green build or remodel. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a project or if you just have questions about green building or certification. We would love to talk with you!
Harry Braswell, Inc. was just awarded a 2010 Contractor of the Year Award for Green Home Construction by the Metro DC Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry!
LEED for Homes Snapshot (pdf)
LEED for Homes Award Certificates (pdf)
Green Project Narrative (pdf)