Artisan built this "green" certified home for Tim Dreffer.

As trend broadens, other ‘green’ homes on the way

Environmentally friendly design is a big trend in the home-building industry right now, and Davidson-based builders are out front in the trend.

Artisan Custom Homes recently completed construction on the town’s first home to earn “green” certification” from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Meanwhile, other home builders are also incorporating energy-saving features into their homes and seeking “green” certifications as well.

The Artisan-buit home, in the Davidson Wood neighborhood (south of Patrick Johnston Lane/on and near Hudson Place), is also Energy Star Qualified, the builder says.

Tim Dreffer

The design focuses on energy and water efficiency, resource-efficient building design and materials, and indoor environmental quality, according to Artisan.

The home’s owner is Tim Dreffer, a Davidson business owner and recently elected Town Commissioner. “We wanted a green home because of the long-term costs savings that come due to increased efficiencies, and also because it felt like the right thing to do for the environment,” Mr. Dreffer said in an Artisan press release.

Said Artisan partner Brad Remmey: “We’re proud to be the custom builder for this home and hope it can serve as a model for other homeowners and builders.”

“Building a green home doesn’t require major changes in all phases of construction. Often, small adjustments can make a huge difference in terms of efficiency,” Mr. Remmey said.

Mr. Remmey and his Artisan Custom Homes partners, Jay Johnstone and John Shryock, have earned the designation of Certified Green Professionals from the NAHB.

Green features of this Artisan Custom Homes structure include a tankless water heater, foam insulation, a sealed crawlspace, low VOC paints, low E windows, higher SEER HVAC units, and Energy Star appliances.

One of the most unique features is a 6,000-gallon water cistern, which is actually a recycled underground tank from a gas station, which collects water runoff. “All water for lawn irrigation then comes from this tank,” Mr. Shryock said. “It’s a pretty ingenious concept to reuse this huge tank which then allows the homeowner to reuse rainwater.”

Southern Energy Management verified that the home has the necessary components to receive NAHB Green Certification and Energy Star qualification. This verification typically begins with a design review where suggestions can be made to improve efficiency. The home is then inspected at the pre-drywall stage and then after construction is completed. Each green component that is verified is worth a point value and homes must earn a specific point total to receive certification.

“There are some builders who may claim to be green because they install low-flow shower heads or energy efficient appliances,” said Jon Goode of Southern Energy Management. “In contrast, this home is actually certified by a nationally recognized organization and verified by a third party.”

The home also recently won an award as one of the Best Green Custom Homes in the Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s Best Of The Lake Design Competition.

“Interest is growing in green building,” said Artisan Custom Homes partner Jay Johnstone,” It’s a trend that we plan to encourage for Davidson and the entire region.”

Artisan Custom Homes is based in Davidson, NC and is a residential building company that specializes in high quality custom-built homes. The firm was established in 2001. For more information, call 704-987-9369, or go to www.ArtisanCustomHomes.com.

Artisan Custom Homes partner John Shryock stands next to the recycled gas tank before it was installed to serve as a water cistern. It collects water runoff which is then reused for irrigation. (SOURCE: Artisan Custom Homes)

ANOTHER GREEN HOME AWAITING CERTIFICATION

Ross Chapin was the architect on this Catawba Avenue "green" home. (SOURCE: John Marshall Custom Homes)

A home on Catawba Avenue built by John Marshall Custom Homes is in the midst of review for certification under the U.S. Green Business Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, or LEED.

LEED is one of a variety of “green certifications” available, according to Rodney Graham, owner of John Marshall Custom Homes. (Mr. Graham is also an NAHB “certified green professional.”)

“LEED is a widely recognized green building program,” Mr. Graham said. It focuses not only on how the house is built, but also considers the size and location of the house to give credit for sustainable living.

The Catawba Avenue home, which was the subject of a “green” home tour last summer, would become one of only a half-dozen LEED certified homes in North Carolina.