Antique and architectural salvage shops are plentiful in and around the Asheville area, offering one-of-a-kind treasures, from antique beams and details, stained glass windows, furniture, art and accessories. Why not add an antique armoire to your bedroom, reclaimed beams in your kitchen, or a vintage glass vase to your dining room? It’s easy to blend the age old finds of yesteryear with the modernities plentiful today. Besides, it’s another way to live sustainable by; giving new life to an object which may otherwise rest in our landfills.

When buying windows for your new custom home or renovation, do your homework. Window technology has made great advancements towards improving efficiency, increasing durability and decreasing maintenance. From low emissivity, low conductivity spaces, Energy Star ratings, coatings and gas fillings and other technologies, windows are doing more now than ever.

One advancement, low emissivity, or Low-e, glass refers to the specialty coatings applied to the glass surface that reflect radiant infrared energy. This in turn keeps the radiant heat on the side of the glass which it originates from; the sun’s heat and damaging UV light is reflected out in the summer and your home’s heat is reflected back inside during the winter. Multiple panes of glass are used in Energy Star windows to increase efficiency, impact resistance, and sound insulation. Between these panes of glass, gas fillings such as argon, krypton or other gas, are used for their increased insulation capabilities over regular air.  Additionally, the material chosen for your windows affects the maintenance, durability and efficiency. Your window frames and sashes can vary in material from wood, fiberglass, vinyl and aluminum, each having their own pros and cons. For example, vinyl provides lower maintenance but cannot be painted, while wood frames can be painted or stained but result in more maintenance over time.

The style of windows available vary greatly, so be sure that your window choices match the architecture of your home. Simply replacing windows can create an entirely new look to your current home while improving efficiency and life your space. Because there are so many options available, take time to find out which window matches your home and your lifestyle. Remember to shop for windows as you would any other investment and take time to do your research.

Green is Here to Stay: Countless articles and press have focused on the green trends that surround us, and we think it’s safe to say that green is here to stay. As green becomes the new standard in home design and interiors, ecofriendly product choices and construction processes will dominate the industry.
Custom, Custom, Custom: The many years of adorning your home with “ready made” rooms from magazine pages and catalogs are disappearing, and we’re ready for 2011 to bring custom creations to the forefront of design. With cookie-cutter products out the window, handcrafted accents, custom cabinetry, one-of-a-kind furnishings and other unique products are taking our homes up a notch on the “personal” scale.
Bring the Outside In: We all love fresh air and natural light. This love is creating a push towards opening our homes to the outdoors. With skylights, more windows, expansive doors that open to the outdoors, and outdoor living spaces on the rise, 2011 will bring about a great change in how we alter our homes to incorporate the outside.
Homes Built Around Our Lifestyles: Housing trends show that more and more homeowners are scaling down the space in which they live. They are looking for smaller, more compact designs that place a greater emphasis of how we live. Kitchen and bedroom design are getting special attention as we craft these areas to optimize functionality and comfort.
Paint and Color: Take bold color off the walls and apply it to your accents. Rather than masking walls with bright colors, we are toning down the shades into a more traditional palette. Timeless hues are creating the perfect backdrop for vivid colors and patterns to appear in our accessories. Our ceilings are also getting a mild makeover as we are embellishing those with color also.
Enhancing the Interiors: Dress up your rooms with architectural accents such as crown moldings and columns and make your space appealing and comfortable with furnishings that reflect your personality. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit either; pairing old heirlooms with modern accents will create a charming space that’s a great conversation piece.

Quite simply, 2011 is all about personalizing your space while staying ecofriendly. You are the focus of your home and 2011 is the time to showcase your personality through the character of your home.

Asheville and Western North Carolina residents take steps each day to push our progress towards becoming a greener community. Through the use of green architecture in private residences, businesses and community buildings, our area is experiencing substantial growth in the number of green projects that are coming to fruition each and every day.

Architects are innovators in their industry and that is no exception when it comes to the green scene. By integrating green technologies such as solar panels, solar powered hot water systems, green roofs, daylighting, and more, area architects are going the extra mile to improve the future of our environment through environmentally friendly design practices.

Here’s a look at some of the commercial green architectural projects in Western North Carolina:

• Biltmore Park: Built around the focus of high density urban living, Biltmore Park has led the area in new construction centered around lessening our impact on the environment. Along with providing ample greenspace, architects and designers of the Biltmore Park condos and apartments utilized Energy Star appliances, water-saving fixtures, and large windows for natural light. Recently, the building located at 28 Schenck Parkway was also retrofitted with a new rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array.
• Hilton Asheville: The Hilton Asheville has obtained LEED Silver Certification from its top-to-bottom earth friendly design. The hotel eliminates 25 tons of carbon dioxide each year due to a solar powered hot water system, cuts back on wastes with a hotelwide recycling program, uses Energy Star light bulbs and environmentally friendly cleaning products, and utilizes a linen reuse program.
• Buncombe County Schools: Buncombe County Schools are teaching students more about greener technologies through the design and build processes used in the new Intermediate Schools. The schools will utilize daylighting, efficient materials and finishes, highly efficient heating and cooling systems, low impact cleaners and sealers, and enhanced thermal insulation to lower energy consumption.
• The City of Asheville: Asheville has its own Office of Sustainability focused on cutting Asheville’s carbon footprint each year. So far Asheville’s initiative has added solar panels to city fire stations, upgraded City Hall lighting, re-engineered the Civic Center’s HVAC system, and established a comprehensive recycling program.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino: With a multi-million expansion on the boards, the casino is adding a little more green to the Cherokee landscape. Using green building practices and integrating a green roof are just a couple of the ways the casino is expanding with less impact.
• Jim Barkley, AB Tech & YWCA: Many local businesses, schools and community organizations are adding solar panels to utilize the sun’s natural energy. These eco-investments help cut energy costs and our impact on the environment. Solar panels have come a long way, now featuring a sleek, modern design.
• Fletcher Business Park: Announced in 2008, the Fletcher Business Park will be home of the world’s largest installation of solar-thermal heating-and-cooling technology. The business park will boast a 27,000 gallon water tank, 2.5 miles of steel piping and tubing, and 640 solar panels.

From local schools and successful businesses to private residences, we are getting a look at the new standards in green architecture.  As our community is a leading player in green architecture, we’re sure to see constant innovation and improvements in the products we use in our homes right here in the mountains.  Why not join your neighbors and increase the efficiency of your home while decreasing your carbon footprint. The ACM Design team are specialists in green architecture and are here to help you create the green home of your dreams. Contact us today to find out how your home can be eco-friendly too.

Finally, architects understand the importance of integrating green products and materials throughout your home, but also offer discernment about which green features garner the most impact, making “green” design even “smarter”. Green products and features can help lower your energy and water consumption, improve indoor air quality, and ultimately save you money, not to mention making a positive contribution to a cleaner environment. Your architect can offer advice on blending green appliances, flooring, windows, furnishings, fixtures, construction materials with more traditional products to effectively decrease your carbon footprint and impact on the environment in ways that make sense for your budget.

Smart design is all about being resourceful, yet designing for sustainability.  It can, however, be an overwhelming undertaking to tackle alone. Hiring a qualified architect to assist you with your project will save you time, money and headaches. At ACM Design smart design is our focus no matter whether we are designing your custom home or creating a clever renovation to your existing home. Contact us today to find out how we can blend smart design and your lifestyle into your vision of home.

Each year the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conducts a study on housing trends. In the 2009 study there was strong evidence supporting the notion that the housing market is favoring smaller homes. From the peak size of 2,268 square feet in 2006, the median size of new single family homes has shrunk to 2,100 square feet in 2009. Average new home prices fell accordingly from $256,000 in 2006 to $211,000 in 2009.  An important fact to note is that while square footage has dropped the average number of bedrooms and bathrooms remained relatively the same. For more detailed information on the housing trends, be sure to check out: Characteristics of Single Family Homes Started in 2009 by the NAHB

The NAHB data reminds many researchers of a similar situation during the 1980’s when astronomical interests rates lead to a decrease in the average home size. While the ‘80’s decrease rebounded, it’s questionable as to whether the current decline will do the same. Other housing trends could come into play when analyzing future new home square footage:

“This time, part of the current home size decline may again be a temporary recession-related phenomenon, but part can also be attributed to trends in factors like the desire to keep energy costs down, amounts of equity in existing homes available to roll into a new one, tightening credit standards, less emphasis on the pure investment motive for buying a home and an increased share of homes sold to first-time buyers,” writes Paul Emrath, NAHB’s vice president for survey and housing policy research.

Only time will tell if the current trend of downsizing will continue.  Either way, architects serve a vital role in assisting clients with planning efficient space for their home based upon individual needs, regardless of the overall square footage.  Smart design is the key to creating a great home.

Energy Star . . . NC Healthy Built Home . . . LEED

We seem to be inundated with so much “green” lingo these days, it becomes difficult to know what is legitimate and what isn’t.  At a recent “Designing for Impact” lecture, Melanie Moeller, with The Boggs Collective, defined sustainability as “the capacity to endure.”  Simple and straightforward, this definition really sums it up.

Often for clients considering “green” home design, the process of reducing one’s carbon footprint while maintaining aesthetics, can seem overwhelming.  Understanding the basics is essential, so you can make educated decisions about your own project that based upon your needs and criteria.

There are many online resources which outline the basics of green building.  As a place to start, you can find answers to 20 Common Green Building Questions at  http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/content/getting-started-green-building-primer-beginners

Green homes are rated according to the HERS Index, a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).  A green home’s HERS Index is obtained through an in-depth on-site inspection and analysis of your home by a RESNET rater.  The reference score is 100, where more energy efficient homes score lower and those that consume more energy score above 100.  The basic chart here shows the scoring scale.

If you are looking for ways to lower your home’s energy consumption consider any of the following “green” building ideas.  And when building your own “green” home, consider working with an architect experienced in green design, like ACM Design Architects.

Recycled Products: Recycled decking, counter tops, tiles, carpets & rugs; renewable wood & engineered wood for flooring and construction materials
Spray Foam Insulation: Stops air and moisture infiltration
Efficient Heating/Water Solutions: Examples include gas fired on-demand water heaters, geothermal heat pump, programmable thermostats
Solar Harvesting: Solar Panels, Solatube & SolarStar skylights
Energy Star Appliances
Efficient Plumbing Fixtures: Low flow toilets, faucets & shower heads
Lighting: Energy efficient compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs, dimmer switches
Water Harvesting/Saving: Rainwater harvesting barrels and cisterns
Sealed Ducts & Air Infiltration System: Ensure appropriated flow of air and prevent leakage
Efficient Windows & Doors: Filter heat from sun, and decrease leakiness of house
Waterproofing: Foundation waterproofing systems with drainage mats, Good quality flashing around windows and doors to prevent moisture leakage
Eliminate Site Waste: Pre-cut studs and other materials cut down waste to landfill
Adhesives, Paints & Sealants: Low VOC, plus additives that resist mold growth
Roof Shingles: Shingles with Solar Reflective Index (SRI)
Use Products from Local Suppliers: Local stones, tiles, flooring, etc.
Water Efficiency in Landscaping: Native and drought resistant plants & efficient irrigation system
Central Vac System: To control dirt/pollutants in the home

Learn more about our friends at The Boggs Collective at www.boggscollective.com

Gold Level Healthy Built Home designed by ACM Design

Western North Carolina has welcomed fall with cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, the first droves of tourists, and most recently the annual Asheville Parade of Homes.  Held on back-to-back weekends in early October and hosted by the Asheville Home Builders Association, the Parade of Homes offers individuals and families the opportunity to explore quality built homes at their own pace. Many people used this time to shop for a new home, meet area builders, or to get ideas and inspiration from the latest trends to use in their home.  For those who wished to learn more about the communities in Asheville and Western North Carolina, the annual AHBA Parade of Homes was a great way to explore exclusive mountain communities.

The AHBA Parade of Homes offered free admission for self guided tours in several mountain communities such as Poplar Ridge, the Ramble, Grove Park, Reems Creek, Biltmore Lake, and Pinebrook Farms to name a few.  Each home visit provided more than just a tour by offering insight to the perks (or downsides) of the community as well.  It’s important to understand and look for what’s important to you as a homeowner, such as communities amenities, distance to work or transportation, local schools, security, and even ordinances or proposed projects that might affect you.  For many the community is just as important as the home, and here in Asheville, we have a variety of communities to fit your needs.

Beyond each Parade of Homes threshold, visitors were offered a dramatic insight to custom home trends sweeping the nation.  Everything from custom cabinetry and expansive outdoor living spaces to sustainable design, green features, and open floor plans were highlighted in the Parade of Homes designs.  Often times, seeing a design firsthand makes all the difference, especially when planning your own custom home.  With so many quality builders and suppliers of custom products located right here in WNC, building and designing your own custom home is not only possible, but a fun and rewarding opportunity to create a unique house for you to call home.

When looking to remodel your existing house or build your own custom home, consider area tours or expos for ideas. Some to mark on your calendar are:

• Montford Tour of Homes – Saturday, December 11, 2010 : Montford Tour
• AHBA: Home & Garden Expo – April 16-17, 2011 : AHBA
• WNC Home Show –  March 18-20, 2011: WNC Home Show

Working with an experienced and knowledgeable architect is an important step in the planning of your new construction or remodel. For information on how to start the process of designing and building your own custom home in Asheville or Western North Carolina, contact ACM Design.

Bathroom Design Innovations

Bathroom remodels are typically popular for their ability to severely increase your home’s resale value.  But they are also popular for their ability to increase your enjoyment and relaxation in the space.

Products to watch out for when remodeling your home’s bathrooms include:

• Cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing drainage systems
• A wider range of stylish, durable tiling options
• A greater selection of high-design bathroom fixtures
• Recycled glass bathroom counter tops

Eco-Friendly Investments

While eco-friendly materials and appliances typically cost a bit more up front, the savings afforded over time are quickly converting more and more homeowners.

Some of the top eco-friendly innovations to consider working into your home remodel include:

• Tankless, energy efficient water heating systems
• Spray-in insulation to seal gaps and prevent heat loss
• Energy-efficient radiant flooring systems with programmable thermostats
• A wider range of affordable, rooftop solar paneling options

Green Home Design

While greening your home remodel is highly recommended, having your new home designed from the start with green in mind may prove more affordable and effective.  Newer homes can even be easily retrofitted to accommodate popular green design elements like recycled glass tiles and bamboo flooring.

Here are some of the ways in which your custom home architect can incorporate green living into your new home from the ground up:

Orientation

The orientation of a home on its lot can have a huge impact on the home’s energy efficiency.  Especially with Western North Carolina’s hilly landscapes, positioning the home offer sun in the winter and shade in the summer can reduce energy costs exponentially.

Foundation

There are many ways to manipulate a home’s temperature via good foundational planning.  Some of the options include the incorporation of geothermal wells, insulated concrete and framed basement walls.

Windows and Doors

Proper placement of doors and windows can prevent overheating in the summer and too much heat loss in the winter.  Your custom home architect will know just how to expertly locate doors and windows into your new home to avoid winter heat losses of up to 25%.

Layout and Design

Working with a custom home architect who is experienced in building HealthyBuilt Homes in Western North Carolina can ensure your home’s layout and design also contribute to its energy efficiency.

ACM Design Architects have years of experience expertly incorporating green appliances, materials and features into homes in the Asheville area.  If you’re thinking about building a greener home, be sure to consult your home architect.