Most green building for single family residential homes focus on northern US climates. How are energy efficient green houses built in Florida? I recently came across 2 green home case studies in Florida published by EcoHome Magazine, each of which is built in a very different way.
Tampa, FL – Alvarez New Concepts in Hyde Park District
Total cost: $700,000 ($280/sq. ft)
Total square feet: 2,500
Wall system: Concrete block
Certifications: National Green Building Standard-Gold, Florida Green Building Coalition-Platinum, Fortified for Safer Living
Roofing: Galvalume
Roof deck: Huber Zip structural panel sheathing
Roofing-secondary water barrier: Polystick TU Plus
Roof insulation: Icynene LD-R 50
Wall insulation: R-19 Owens Corning Foamular 250 ridgid foam
Windows: Pella impact resistant
Siding: James Hardie 5/8-inch-thick Artisan Lap siding
Appliances: EnergyStar
Water heaters: tankless
Rainwater collection system
Irrigation control system: Rainbird Smart Control
Venice, FL – Origami Loft House
Architect: Jonathan Parks AIA
Total cost: $600,000 ($240/sq. ft)
Total square feet: 2,500
Certifications: Florida Power and Light BuildSmart, Florida Green Building Coalition, Florida-Friendly Landscape
Wall system: poured in place concrete (Efficient Building Systems)
Pool heating: Vortex Solar heating
Appliances: EnergyStar
Flooring: FSC-certified hickory
Windows: PGT Low-E, U-value .38, SHGC .31
Toilets: WaterSense
Solar: Sunmodule 24 panel solar array (generates up to 26 kWh per day)
Solar contractor: Solar World
Roofing: Galvanized metal roofing
Kitchen/Bath Cabinets: Cucine Lube
Countertops: Quartz