Shirey Residence
Rosemary Beach, FL
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Donna and Riley Shirey's new home in Rosemary Beach demonstrates cutting edge coastal green building practices. As contractors in Seattle, WA they are involved in green building projects including a zero energy idea home. Members of the Green Builders Council, Donna and Riley knew they wanted to do something that would not only provide them a better quality of living space but would also set an example in an area where the climate is challenging and green building is not in the forefront. They knew that in order to accomplish their goals, it would be important to work with an architecture firm that would be able to meet their environmental as well as aesthetic goals. They discovered the architecture firm of Walcott Adams Verneuille in Fairhope, AL while visiting the coastal town one weekend. Fortunately the firm was enthusiastic about the Shirey's vision. They suggested that to help quantify the benefits in energy conservation of a green home, the goal be to meet LEED for homes. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system implemented by the US Green Building Council to set a national benchmark for high performance green buildings. Originally written for commercial buildings, the LEED guidelines were expanded in 2005 to include homes. To date, there are only 7 LEED platinum level (the highest rating) homes in the United States. The Shirey residence is projected to be the 8th.
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In keeping with the concept of sustainability, the Shireys wanted a small house with the efficiency of a ship, so the 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath house is only 2100 square feet. Traditional Bahama shutters coupled with innovative structural insulated panel construction keeps the house cool in the hot and humid climate. The house was designed to let the views and daylight in, but keep the heat out. Every detail, from lighting fixtures to furniture has been carefully considered to minimize environmental impacts and conserve energy. The Shireys wanted a healthy home, so the beautiful, modern interiors use only materials that don't emit toxic fumes. All of the runoff from the roof and parking areas will be absorbed on site, with landscaping designed to be low maintenance and attract wildlife. Inside and out, the Shirey Beach house is a model of healthy high performance design for the Gulf Coast.
Noteworthy Design Items:
- Small size - A 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath house that is only 2100 sf. Efficient and thoughtful planning is key. The smaller the house you build, the less materials you use, the less impact you have on the environment.
- High performance building materials - Both the insulated concrete form (ICF) and structural insulated panels system (SIPS) created a house that is air sealed and well insulated, to keep the conditioned air in and the unconditioned air out. This lowers energy costs and promoted better indoor air quality.
- Location - Rosemary Beach is a designed community with all the conveniences you need within walking distance. The more you can walk, the less you have to drive.
- Landscaping - Yes even the plants in the yard contribute to a green building. The Shireys used indigenous plants that are drought resistant. No need to turn on the sprinkler system.
- Building material selections - High recycled content, minimal off gassing of chemical fumes, and locally manufactured products are the key. The Shireys installed a metal roof with a high recycled content. The gypsum board and even the doors specified have a high recycle content. No carpet to contain allergens, bamboo flooring (highly renewable) Low VOC Paints.
