GAB Report library
LEED
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Sripadanna Residence: Synergy in Sustainability Part II
In a previous article, “Sripadanna Residence: Synergy in Sustainability Part I,” we discussed the relationship of synergies generated by a combination of design measures such as: building orientation to take advantage of the sun’s path; predominant shed roof and high ceilings with exposed framing made of reclaimed wood; clerestory windows that bring sunlight and warmth…
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Sripadanna Residence: Synergy in Sustainability
Architects have been practicing principles of sustainable design for a long time even before the term sustainability became popular. With increasing popularity of sustainable design, it is important to understand that sustainable design is more than a collection of credits. The key is to create synergy between building systems and practices that multiply each other’s…
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Award Winning Two-in-One Solar Roofing System Launched at PCBC 2009
The PCBC 2009 featured 400+ exhibitors but only Custom-Bilt Metals won the Cool Product Competition in the “Saves Energy” category with their FusionSolar system. I had the opportunity to discuss the product with two of the owners, Joe and Steve Chiovare. The What: Custom-Bilt Metals, a manufacturer of metal roofing and rain gutter products, has…
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Sripadanna Residence Receives First LEED for Homes Gold in Silicon Valley
Congratulations to Mr. Hari Sripadanna on receiving LEED for Homes Gold certification for his residence in Saratoga, California. The Sripadanna Residence is the first detached single custom home in Santa Clara County and Silicon Valley to receive LEED-H Gold certification and has set the high standard for the community. I recently had the opportunity to…
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Kevin Roche’s Landmark Oakland Museum Undergoes Transformation
Cahill Contractors is nearing completion of the first of several phases of construction at the Oakland Museum of California. The first phase of the renovation is scheduled to complete around the middle of June 2009. The renovation project was designed by architecture firm Mark Cavagnero Associates. Other members of the project team include ProPM (construction…
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Urban Landscape Moves Up 15′ and Targets LEED-CI
On my recent trip to Calgary, Canada, I came upon the “+15”, an intricate network of more than 57 enclosed bridges elevated approximately 15 feet above street level that connect at least 100 buildings in downtown. My exploration led me into an active construction site of four stories of scaffolding within a shopping mall dotted…
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Endless Suburbs, Abundant Resources, and Sustainable Design?
Hiking around Lake Louise on a recent trip to Calgary, Alberta, I took in breathtaking views of big blue skies and the Canadian Rockies and felt grateful of the precious natural resources that this land offered. Upon my return to the reality of the urban city and endless suburbs, I had the opportunity to experience…
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Simplify Solar with the First Curved Solar Roofing Tile
After two long days of non-stop hustling between seminars and product exhibits at the AIA (American Institute of Architects) 2009 National Convention and Expo, I was on my last stretch of speed walking through 800 plus vendor stalls. Fatigued and with a growling stomach, I was about to call it a day until I saw…
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Sripadanna Residence: Going for the (LEED for Homes) Gold
Is it possible to achieve a 20 °F difference between indoor and outdoor spaces using passive design when it’s a blazing 100 °F outside? Yes, it is possible, and architect Hari Sripadanna has proven so in his house.The Sripadanna Residence is located in Saratoga, California, an area which experiences hot weather in the summer and…
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Integrated Design for Renewables (IDR)
As designers and implementers of design, we know that integrated design theoretically makes sense. However, when it comes to installing renewable energy systems, it is more and more critical that we actually put theory into action. So I’d like to go through a couple of real world examples of what can happen (or not happen)…