One of my mottoes is that "Green is a discussion, not a fact." I have a little discussion going on in my head around many of the 'green' issues that come up, and will try and share some of it here. The main big question, of course, is "What defines 'green'?" Is it the type of material used? Is it the orientation to nature? Is it the amount of re-used and re-claimed material? Is it local (materials and services) vs. non-local? Is it the 'energy footprint'? How do we measure 'sustainability'? Many of these same questions have informed certification systems such as LEED, but I think it is important to ask them again and again.
This is especially important for small (read residential remodels) projects, since all small-project clients I have met are more interested in making informed choices than in certification.
So, I think about the typical remodeling client, who has the privilege of living in a detached SFR (single-family residence) and wants to add on. I have to let go of the discussion whether SFR living is sustainable or not, and get down to what kinds of additions which suit this person's needs will be.
Most people who live in detached housing value the small amount of land around their house, so the least invasive types of remodels are vertical additions (building above or building beneath). The literal footprint of the house remains essentially the same, so the local resources of the homeowner, such as vegetable gardens, chicken coops, dog runs, and ornamental gardens, are not reduced in size.
I believe this makes Building Beneath a very sustainable and 'green' alternative to other types of additions, such as rear-yard, side-yard, and front-yard additions.
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