By Jimmy Brattain at Design Works-St. Petersburg

The birth of Pinellas County’s first and only certified LEED Platinum Home started much like “the Kohler commercial”. Rather than place a faucet on my desk, the client requested what then seemed simple enough; 5000 square feet of living space and a LEED Platinum Certification.

 Facing two divergent goals, the starting point centered on the LEED point system and the union of West Indies and Spanish colonial design with a modern twist. It became clear of the necessity for the implementation of significant green features. Determination of cost effective materials is the most significant challenges facing all LEED projects. Planning early is crucial.

Once the green systems were determined, the design process became the focal point. Luxury green living became my guiding mantra, a Prius with a Lamborghini body. I wanted visitors to focus on the beauty of the design rather than the green features.

Besides the home’s clean style, I am most proud of the rainwater collection system. 80% of the roof’s rain run off is deposited into 2700 gallon holding tanks. The rainwater is used to flush all toilets and irrigate the 100% Florida Native plants. 98% of the rain that falls onto the property is filtered into the aquifer rather the streets or the bay. This is accomplished through a series of leach fields and pervious pavers. These features were rewarded by the Southwest Water Management District with the prestigious Florida Water Star Gold Award.

Constructed of concrete block, the existing ranch home which sat on the site was as well as the concrete roof tiles were recycled into aggregate for local road construction. 100% of the oak flooring was removed and re-used. All of the 2 X 8 floor joists were used for concrete forms on the new house. Our waste log calculated that 80% of the old home was recycled.

The home’s energy efficiency, helped in part by a 5 KW solar electric, net metering and solar hot water system, LED lighting, soy based insulation, .21 SHGC doors and windows, all contribute to a HERS rating of 44. Additional green features include: a solar heater for the saline pool, passive solar lighting, 99% LED lighting, aerated CMU block, fly ash concrete, low flow faucets and showerheads, locally made concrete counter tops, responsibly harvested LEED certified wood flooring and zero VOC paints.

In addition to the LEED Platinum certification the home has been bestowed the most Aurora Awards of the 2010 season:

2010 Aurora Award- Custom One of Kind over 1.5 million, 2010 Aurora Award- Green Construction, 2010 Aurora Award- Energy Efficient, 2010 Aurora Award- Solar Energy, 2010 Aurora Award- Water Wise, 2010 Aurora Award- Kitchen, 2010 Grand Aurora Award- Water Wise, 2010 Grand Aurora Award- Kitchen, 2010 Grand Aurora Award- Green Construction.

This journey that started with a simple request almost two years ago has completely changed my outlook on design and building practices. It is a testament to how one person’s cause can completely alter another’s perspective, forever.

Find out more about Jimmy Brattain and Design Works Studios.