The idea of sustainability has been defined as the ability to meet the resources and needs of the current generation, while not compromising the resources and needs of future generations. Think about our current building practices. Do they meet the sustainability definition? Unfortunately many of the current methods take away from rather than give back to the environment. The idea of lush green grass with a white picket fence is a part of the American dream. Even in desert areas where water is scarce, grass is a “must have.”

What if there were homes that shared in the “take only what you need,” model; that utilized the wind and sun to its fullest extent. With the help of two Plants at Work sponsors, Planterra Corporation and Raimondi Horticultural Group, homes in the Birmingham, Michigan and Paterson, New Jersey areas will focus on just that, taking only what they need.

Robert B. Prud’homme, the lead builder and architect for the Birmingham, Michigan project said, “The home is designed to provide the most comfortable and healthy living environment with the smallest environmental impact.” By using strategies that are typically not used in residential housing such as stack cooling ventilation and a two-story solarium, Prud’homme was able to reduce the size of the cooling system and utilize the heat of the sun to create a natural convective air current. Windows and eaves were placed in prime locations to maximize the amount of daylight year-round. And, in addition the windows open at crucial angles, allowing natural breezes to enter and cool his home. Prud’homme’s strategy is so effective that air conditioning is hardly necessary, resulting in significantly lower utility bills.

Other home features include a ground source (Geo-thermal) heating and cooling system, insulation manufactured from soybean oils, locally mined or manufactured materials and locally owned financing sources. Zero VOC paints, formaldehyde free materials, woods harvested from sustainable managed forests were also incorporated into the building design.

Through specially designed breaks in the foundation the interior of the home features planters deigned to allow trees to grow directly from the Earth. With the help of Planterra Corp.’s green houses Prud’homme was able to hand select trees that would complement the environment and remove toxins from the air. According to Prud’homme live greenery was a “must,” to provide a refreshed and peaceful feeling throughout the home. “The indoor trees provide the same sensations as being in nature, relaxed, breathing fresh air and enjoying the sights of green natural sculpture.”

The exterior integrated the idea of “xeroscaping,” which chooses plants for their natural abilities to sustain themselves in drought conditions, yet still be an attractive landscape in the community. The paving systems, as well as the roofing were designed to minimize the urban heat island effect, and to allow rain that falls on the site to remain there rather than contributing to the storm water collection system.

In Paterson, New Jersey, the BASF Better Home, Better Planet Showcase Initiative is constructing a home that will meet LEED-H (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for residential design and Energy Star certifications. The home is a part of the BASF efforts to promote high-performance, energy efficiency and ecological benefits in new housing.

The three-story home will incorporate a basement made from insulating concrete forms, Monotech walls for the first floor, and structural insulated panel walls for the second floor and roof. The flooring will consist of precast concrete plans with a radiant floor heating system and the roof will include an integrated solar panel system.

Raimondi Horticultural Group (RHG) will be providing the interior and exterior landscaping designs for the home. “The idea is to incorporate evergreen plants to offer fuel efficiency and the feel of nature,” said Chris Raimondi, president of RHG.

After completion the NJ home will be donated to the St. Michael’s Housing Corporation, a local non-profit organization who will turn the home over to Richard Sosa, a 10-year-old quadriplegic, and his family. Taking into account the special needs of Richard and his family the designers have integrated an accessible design throughout the home. A lift will be in the lower level of the garage giving Richard access to the main floors.

“The footprint of these homes doesn’t stop at the property line, designing with the community in mind,” said Prud’homme.