Sustainable Green Design

Kenneth J. Wertheim, Architect is a firm founded on the core values of sustainable design. For over 25 years Ken has been committed to design principles known today as “Green Building."

Sustainable design or green building refers to using resources more efficiently while creating healthier buildings. Green Building practices reduce the impact on the environment by incorporating design principles which make conscious decisions about energy, water and building materials.

Ken believes taking a whole building design approach results in “Responsive Architecture”. Whole building design draws on the concept of “Integrated Design” where all the parts contribute to the whole, and where each component becomes part of a system.  This approach is applied throughout the entire design process: from identifying project goals early on so design objectives are in concert and balance with each other, to evaluating the building systems inter-connections thereby achieving a truly high performance building.

Sustainable (green) building designs are often designed to meet Green Building Performance standards. Our firm’s projects are designed to meet the Energy Star program as a base standard.

Homes can also be designed to meet the guidelines of other more advanced “Green Building” program standards such as Green Built NC or LEED for Homes.  Other green professionals (such as energy raters, energy modelers, HVAC engineers, etc.) can be consulted if certification is desired.

If you have an interest in Net Zero Energy homes, contact us for more information about our newly introduced EcoSmartHaus which incorporates design principles and construction techniques based on years of experience designing sustainable Eco-friendly homes (see below).

Disclaimer

Achieving specific green certifications, as well as tax credits and incentives, are not guaranteed. Third party consultants such as energy modelers, energy raters and other industry professionals are required to achieve performance goals.