2014 Aurora Awards: Two Trails Clients Received A Combined Total Of 50 Awards!

Summary: The Aurora Awards are presented at the SEBC’s Black Tie Gala/Spectacular at the Rosen center in Orlando, FL on July 26, 2014.  The Award competition recognizes achievements in building design.  As a team member on many of the winning projects Two Trails Inc. is proud to be a part of the client teams that were nominated and won an Aurora Award.

Aurora pics
Aurora pics

Summary: The Aurora Awards are presented at the SEBC’s Black Tie Gala/Spectacular at the Rosen center in Orlando, FL on July 26, 2014.  The Award competition recognizes achievements in building design.  As a team member on many of the winning projects Two Trails Inc. is proud to be a part of the client teams that were nominated and won an Aurora Award.

The Aurora Awards is a competitive award competition held during SEBC (Southeast Builders Conference).  Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) sponsors the Award competition; one of the largest associations of it’s kind.  The Aurora Award design competition is presented to outstanding builders, planners, architects, developers, designers, and interior merchandisers within a twelve state southeastern and eastern Caribbean region.

The design competition since it’s inception thirty-four years ago, continues to grow and honor residential and commercial designers and builders in 135 categories.  Categories consist of Commercial, Residential, Price Point, Energy Efficiency, Green Building and many more.  The builders in the categories also recognize major Team members on the project.  Two Trails Inc.-Green Building Consulting is proud to be a part of fifty (50) 2014 Aurora Awards this year.

An Aurora Award can be awarded to one entrant in each of the 135 categories.  However on top of the 135 categories there are Grand Aurora awards based on sub categories and one (this year there was a tie so there is two) Golden Aurora Award for the whole Award competition.  This year the Golden Aurora was awarded to the best Green/Energy Efficient featured project instead of past years selection of a design project.  Two Trails is proud of Josh Wynne Construction & Jonathan Parks Architect for winning the Golden Aurora this year and is happy to be a part of the team on this project.

“We are thrilled to be a part of our client’s success this year.  Especially this year for the first time the Golden Aurora Award was based on green/energy efficient features whereas past years based on design.  Two Trails was a chosen team member in client projects that received a combined total of 50 Aurora Awards.  Our success is dependent upon our clients’ success.  We love seeing our partners exceed, especially in the green categories!” stated Drew Smith, President of Two Trails Inc.

Award Categories won by Clients with Two Trails as a Team member:

2014 Golden Aurora Award Winner

60-005 Residential Winner Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Best Energy Efficient Home TipTopHaus in Sarasota, FL Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction; Jonathan Parks Architect; Greg Wilson Group & Ryan Gamma Photography; Two Trails, Inc.

BEST OF STATE WINNERS 2014 Best of State Aurora Award Winner 13-003 NEVADA Winner: Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. Detached Single-Family Home Over $3,000,001 New American Home 2014 in Henderson, NV Team Members Include: Element Building Company; Jeffrey Berkus Architects; Two Trails, Inc.; Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.; Trent Bell Photography

2014 Best of State Aurora Award Winner 60-005 Florida Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Best Energy Efficient Home TipTopHaus in Sarasota, FL Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction; Jonathan Parks Architect; Greg Wilson Group & Ryan Gamma Photography; Two Trails, Inc.

2014 Best of State Aurora Award Winner 65A-001 North Carolina Winner: DCI Homes Inc. GREEN CONSTRUCTION Production Built Home –Under 6 Homes of Same Design Kincaid 2 in Elon, NC Team Members Include: DCI Homes Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 04-001 Winner: Minto Communities Attached For-Sale Home Over $500,000 Hibiscus Grande Retreat in Naples,FL Team Members Include: Minto Communities –The Isles of Collier Preserve; Rob/Harris Productions

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 10-005 Winner: Phil Kean Designs Detached Single-Family Home $1,000,001-$1,500,000 Adelinde in Orlando,FL

Team Members Include: AECOM & Bellomo Herbert; Phil Kean Design Group; Harvey Smith Photography

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 13-003 Winner: Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. Detached Single-Family Home Over $3,000,001 New American Home 2014 in Henderson,NV Team Members Include: Element Building Company; Jeffrey Berkus Architects; Two Trails, Inc.; Trent Bell Photography; Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 24-007 Winner: Newland Communities RECREATIONAL FACILITY Community Clubhouse The Lake House at FishHawk Ranch in Lithia,FL Team Members Include: Looney Ricks Kiss; EDSA; Grey Street Studios; Newland Communities

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 25-003 Winner: Minto Communities RECREATIONAL FACILITY Special Amenity Facility (tennis, health/fitness) Discovery Sales Center in Naples,FL

Team Members Include: Minto Communities –The Isles of Collier Preserve; Vandy Major Photography

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 29-005 Winner: Minto Communities KITCHEN $500,001-$1,000,000 Jasmine Grande in Naples, FL Team Members Include: Minto Communities –The Isles of Collier Preserve; Vandy Major Photography

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 52-007 Winner: Jonathan Parks Architect INTERIOR DETAILING $1,000,001-$2,000,000 TipTopHaus in Sarasota, FL

Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction; Two Trails Inc; Jonathan Parks Architect

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 60-004 Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Best Energy Efficient Home Fish Camp in Longboat Key, FL

Team Members Include: Leader Design Studio LLC; Ryan Gamma Photography; Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. and Two Trails, Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 60-005 Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Best Energy Efficient Home TipTopHaus in Sarasota, FL

Team Members Include: Jonathan Parks Architect; Greg Wilson Group & Ryan Gamma Photography; Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Two Trails Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 61-003 Winner: Two Trails, Inc. WATER-WISE HOME Best Water-Wise Home 2020 Alton in Miami Beach, FL

Team Members Include: Florida Green Home Design; SKLARchitecture; A Moment In Time; Two Trails, Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 62-003 Winner: Two Trails, Inc. SOLAR ENERGY HOUSE Best Solar Energy Efficient House 2020 Alton in Miami Beach, FL

Team Members Include: Florida Green Home Design; SKLARchitecture; Two Trails, Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 65A-001 Winner: DCI Homes Inc. GREEN CONSTRUCTION Production Built Home –Under 6 Homes of Same Design Kincaid 2 in Elon, NC

Team Members Include: DCI Homes Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 66D-001 Winner: Two Trails, Inc. GREEN CONSTRUCTION Demonstration Model –Over $2,000,000 2014 New American Home in Henderson, NV

Team Members Include: Element Building Company; Jeffery Berkus Architects; Marc-Michaels Interior Design Inc.; Two Trails, Inc.

2014 Grand Aurora Award Winners 88-001 Winner: Minto Communities SITE PLANNING CATEGORIES Best Community Site Plan The Isles of Collier Preserve in Naples, FL

Team Members Include: Minto Communities –The Isles of Collier Preserve; Vandy Major Photography

Aurora Awards:

Cat No: 04-001 Attached For-Sale Home Over $500,000 Winner: Minto Communities Project: Hibiscus Grande Retreat, Naples, FL Team Members: Minto Communities; Minto Communities –The Isles of Collier Preserve

Cat No: 10-005 Detached Single-Family Home $1,000,001-$1,500,000 Winner: Phil Kean Designs Project: Adelinde, Orlando, FL Team Members: Phil Kean Designs; Phil Kean Design Group; AECOM & Bellomo Herbert; Redmond Design Company, PA

Cat No: 13-003 Detached Single-Family Home Over $3,000,001 Winner: Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. Project: New American Home 2014, Henderson, NV Team Members: Element Building Company; Jeffrey Berkus Architects; Two Trails, Inc.; Knaack Design Group; Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.

Cat No: 15-003 CUSTOM HOME (One of a Kind) $750,000-$1,500,000 Winner: NWC Construction Project: The 2013 New Southern Home, Belle Isle, FL Team Members: NWC Construction; Keesee and Associates; Bonnett Design Group; Design Studio 15 and Two Trails, Inc.

Cat No: 18-004 CUSTOM HOME (One of a Kind) $1,500,000-$2,000,000 Winner: Jonathan Parks Architect Project: TipTopHaus, Sarasota, FL Team Members: Jonathan Parks Architect; Josh Wynne Construction

Cat No: 24-007 RECREATIONAL FACILITY Community Clubhouse Winner: Newland Communities Project: The Lake House at FishHawk Ranch, Lithia, FL Team Members: Newland Communities; Newland Communities; Looney Ricks Kiss; EDSA; Booth Design Group; Looney Ricks Kiss

Cat No: 25-003 RECREATIONAL FACILITY Special Amenity Facility (tennis, health/fitness) Winner: Minto Communities Project: Discovery Sales Center, Naples, FL Team Members: Minto Communities; The Isles of Collier Preserves

Cat No: 29-005 KITCHEN $500,001-$1,000,000 Winner: Minto Communities Project: Jasmine Grande, Naples, FL Team Members: Minto Communities; The Isles of Collier Preserve

Cat No: 30-007 KITCHEN $1,000,001 –$2,000,000 Winner: Jonathan Parks Architect Project: TipTopHaus, Sarasota, FL Team Members: Jonathan Parks Architect; Josh Wynne Construction

Cat No: 30-008 KITCHEN $1,000,001 –$2,000,000 Winner: Phil Kean Designs Project: Adelinde, Orlando, FL Team Members: Phil Kean Designs; Phil Kean Design Group; Phil Kean Design Group and Central Kitchen & Bath; AECOM & Bellomo Herbert; Redmond Design Company, PA; Phil Kean Design Group

Cat No: 32-004 KITCHEN Over $3,000,001 Winner: Cabinetry Creations, Inc. Project: Via Tuscany, Winter Park, FL Team Members: Cabinetry Creations, Inc.; Phil Kean Design Group; Phil Kean Design Group; C L Studio, Inc.

Cat No: 35-006 BATH $1,000,001-$2,000,000 Winner: Phil Kean Designs

Project:Adelinde, Orlando, FL Team Members: Phil Kean Designs; Central Kitchen & Bath; AECOM & Bellomo Herbert; Redmond Design Company, PA; Phil Kean Design Group

Cat No: 37-003 BATH Over $3,000,001 Winner: Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. Project: New American Home 2014, Henderson, NV Team Members: Element Building Company; Jeffrey Berkus Architects; Two Trails, Inc.; Knaack Design Group; Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.

Cat No: 52-007 INTERIOR DETAILING $1,000,001-$2,000,000 Winner: Jonathan Parks Architect Project: TipTopHaus, Sarasota, FL Team Members: Jonathan Parks Architect; Josh Wynne Construction

Cat No: 53-004 INTERIOR DETAILING Over $2,000,001 Winner: Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc. Project: New American Home 2014, Henderson, FL Team Members: Element Building Company; Jeffrey Berkus Architects; Two Trails, Inc.; Knaack Design Group; Marc-Michaels Interior Design, Inc.

Cat No: 60-004 ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Best Energy Efficient Home Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Project: Fish Camp, Longboat Key, FL Team Members: Josh Wynne Construction; Leader Design Studio LLC; ; Michael A Gilkey, Inc.; Two Trails Inc.

Cat No: 60-005 ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Best Energy Efficient Home Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Project: TipTopHaus, Sarasota, FL Team Members: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.; Jonathan Parks Architect, Two Trails Inc.

Cat No: 60-007 ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Best Energy Efficient Home Winner: Two Trails, Inc. Project: 2020 Alton, Miami Beach, FL Team Members: Two Trails, Inc.; Florida Green Home Design; SKLARchitecture

Cat No: 60-009 ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME Best Energy Efficient Home Winner: Phil Kean Designs Project: Adelinde, Orlando, FL Team Members: Phil Kean Designs; AECOM & Bellomo Herbert; Redmond Design Company, PA; Phil Kean Design Group

Cat No: 61-002 WATER-WISE HOME Best Water-Wise Home Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Project: TipTopHaus, Sarasota, FL Team Members: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.; Jonathan Parks Architect, Two Trails Inc.

Cat No: 61-003 WATER-WISE HOME Best Water-Wise Home Winner: Two Trails, Inc. Project: 2020 Alton, Miami Beach, FL Team Members: Two Trails, Inc.; Florida Green Home Design; SKLARchitecture

Cat No: 62-002 SOLAR ENERGY HOUSE Best Solar Energy Efficient House Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Project: TipTopHaus, Sarasota, FL Team Members: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.; Jonathan Parks Architect, Two Trails Inc.

Cat No: 62-003 SOLAR ENERGY HOUSE Best Solar Energy Efficient House Winner: Two Trails, Inc. Project: 2020 Alton, Miami Beach, FL Team Members: Two Trails, Inc.; Florida Green Home Design; SKLARchitecture

Cat No: 63-001 NATURAL GAS HOME Best Natural Gas Single Family Home Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Project: Fish Camp, Longboat Key, FL Team Members: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.; Leader Design Studio LLC; Two Trails Inc.

Cat No: 63-002 NATURAL GAS HOME Best Natural Gas Single Family Home Winner: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc. Project: TipTopHaus, Sarasota, FL Team Members: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.; Two Trails Inc.; Jonathan Parks Architect

65A-001 GREEN CONSTRUCTION Production Built Home –Under 6 Homes of Same Design Winner: DCI Homes Inc.

Project: Kincaid 2 Elon NC Team Members: DCI Homes Inc

Cat No: 66D-001 GREEN CONSTRUCTION Demonstration Model –Over $2,000,000 Winner: Two Trails, Inc. Project: 2014 New American Home, Henderson, NV Team Members: Two Trails, Inc.; Element Building Company; Jeffery Berkus Architects; Marc- Michaels Interior Design Inc.

Cat No: 68B-001 GREEN CONSTRUCTION New Construction –$500,001-$1,000,000 Winner: Minto Communities Project: Hibiscus Grande Retreat, Naples, FL Team Members: Minto Communities; Minto Communities –The Isles of Collier Preserve

Cat No: 68C-004 GREEN CONSTRUCTION New Construction –$1,000,001-$2,000,000 Winner: Phil Kean Designs Project: Adelinde, Orlando, FL Team Members: Phil Kean Design Group; AECOM & Bellomo Herbert; Redmond Design Company, PA

68A-002 GREEN CONSTRUCTION New Construction –Under $500,000 Winner: DCI Homes Inc. Project: Kincaid Graham NC Team Members: DCI Homes Inc

Cat No: 83-002 RESIDENTIAL/MIXED USE LAND DEVELOPMENT Mixed Use and Residential Only Developments Over 501 Acres Winner: Neal Communities Project: Grand Palm, Venice, FL Team Members: Neal Communities; Bloodgood Sharp & Buster; Kimley-Horn; Stewart- Washmuth Landscape Architects; Charlene Neal PureStyle

Cat No: 88-001 SITE PLANNING CATEGORIES Best Community Site Plan Winner: Minto Communities Project: The Isles of Collier Preserve, Naples, FL Team Members: Minto Communities –The Isles of Collier Preserve

For a complete list of all award winners go to: http://www.theauroras.com/

About Drew Smith | Two Trails, Inc. was founded in 2001, by an innovative builder who set out to change the methodology of conventional building science. Drew realized that the only way to change the industry was to become the resource for the knowledge on how to implement healthy, sustainable projects. He “hung up his hammer” and opened one of the first green building, consulting firms in the nation.

By helping to develop standards for the American Lung Association, National Home Builders Association, Florida Green Building Coalition, and USGBC LEED for Homes by either writing the standard or testing the viability of the standard in the field, he was able to provide his firm with a thorough understanding of the science of building sustainable, healthy, environmentally conscious, and affordable solutions for the building industry. He was “green” before “green” was more than a color.  Our President, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP BD+C, was the founding President of the Florida Green Building Coalition and is the first Governor appointed Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida. Two Trails, Inc. provides hands-on consulting making it easy to achieve certification.

About Two Trails, Inc. | Two Trails, Inc. is one of the nations premier Green Building Consulting firm established in 2001. We provide green consulting services nationwide for commercial, residential, remodeling, and developments seeking to obtain LEED certification and/or LEED commissioning by USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), National Green Building Standard (NGBS), Energy Star by the U.S. Department of Energy, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications.

Read More

Neal Communities named state's green builder of year

Neal Communities was named "Builder of the Year" by the Tallahassee-based coalition for building 210 single-family homes that used environmentally friendly and sustainable methods in a 12-month period -- more than any other builder in the state.

SARASOTA COUNTY - A trio of area home builders has won awards for "green" construction from the Florida Green Building Coalition.

Neal Communities was named "Builder of the Year" by the Tallahassee-based coalition for building 210 single-family homes that used environmentally friendly and sustainable methods in a 12-month period -- more than any other builder in the state.

The non-profit coalition also recognized Sarasota building consultant Drew Smith, president of Two Trails Inc., as the top certifying agent in the state. Smith acts as the certifying agent for Neal Homes.

 Continue Reading Source Link

Read More
Two Trails In The News admin Two Trails In The News admin

Herald-Tribune: Green Renovation in Sarasota

Article by: Harold Bubil This article highlights a project done by Josh Wynne Construction and Two Trails Inc.  The article reveals the trials and tribultions of restoration projects and the hidden problems that can be costly.  In the end the renovation project is a shining example of a "Green" renovation.  Hit the source link for the full read.

Source Link: Herald Tribune

Article by: Harold Bubil This article highlights a project done by Josh Wynne Construction and Two Trails Inc.  The article reveals the trials and tribultions of restoration projects and the hidden problems that can be costly.  In the end the renovation project is a shining example of a "Green" renovation.  Hit the source link for the full read.

Source Link: Herald Tribune

Read More
Two Trails In The News admin Two Trails In The News admin

Two Trails in feature article of EcoHome Magazine!

Rich Binsacca, contributing Editor at EcoHome Magazine wrote a detailed article about the green certifications that The 2012 New American Home achieved for this years International Builders show.  His interview highlights how the home achieved the highest level of green certifications possible, providing insight into the process and by-products of submitting to such standards.  Here is a little hint, it takes a great Builder/Architect, Teamwork, & of course Two Trails! Below is a link to the digital version of the article.

Two Trails in feature article for EcoHome Magazine
Two Trails in feature article for EcoHome Magazine

Rich Binsacca, contributing Editor at EcoHome Magazine wrote a detailed article about the green certifications that The 2012 New American Home achieved for this years International Builders show.  His interview highlights how the home achieved the highest level of green certifications possible, providing insight into the process and by-products of submitting to such standards.  Here is a little hint, it takes a great Builder/Architect, Teamwork, & of course Two Trails! Below is a link to the digital version of the article.  Thanks EcoHome,  Phil Kean Designs, & Tucker@NAHB!!

ecohome-mar-apr12
ecohome-mar-apr12
Read More

Modern Marvel-The New American Home 2012

Builders Online wrote a comprehensive article featuring The 2012 New American Home.  Two Trails was the verifier for this years home.  This article features all the design functions, product features, and green elements that encompasses this project.  Check out the article below. Builder Online- Modern Marvel Article

Builders Online wrote a comprehensive article featuring The 2012 New American Home.  Two Trails was the verifier for this years home.  This article features all the design functions, product features, and green elements that encompasses this project.  Check out the article below. Builder Online- Modern Marvel Article

Read More

Neighborhood Renaissance Breaks Ground for 13 new affordable, energy-efficient homes in Palm Beach County’s Westgate/Belvedere Community Redevelopment area

West Palm Beach, FL – October 26, 2011 – Terri Murray, Executive Director of Neighborhood Renaissance , announced today the groundbreaking at 2801 Saranac Avenue in Westgate for 13 quality-built, energy efficient, 3-4 bedroom homes meeting green building standards with “Florida-friendly” landscaping to be built south of Westgate Avenue in Palm Beach County.

West Palm Beach, FL – October 26, 2011 – Terri Murray, Executive Director of Neighborhood Renaissance , announced today the groundbreaking at 2801 Saranac Avenue in Westgate for 13 quality-built, energy efficient, 3-4 bedroom homes meeting green building standards with “Florida-friendly” landscaping to be built south of Westgate Avenue in Palm Beach County.  In partnership with the Westgate/Belvedere Homes Community Development Agency, Neighborhood Renaissance was awarded a HUD grant for construction from Palm Beach County Housing and Community Development Department through its Florida Community Development Block Grant 2005 Disaster Recovery Initiative program.  Acquisition funds were committed from the Florida Community Loan Fund.  The housing mix includes:

  • 4 - 4BR/2.5BA single-family homes priced from $95,000 – $100,000
  • 5-3BR/2BA single-family homes priced from  $90,000 – $95,000
  • 2 – 3BR/2.5BA-townhomes priced at $80,000

Neighborhood Renaissance is pleased to work in partnership with the Westgate/Belvedere Homes Community Redevelopment Agency to provide these new homes for 13 families.  The housing stock in the Westgate area has experienced deterioration causing blight.  Many homes were extensively damaged or destroyed during the 2004-2005 hurricanes.  These new homes will be assessed for consumption of energy to meet the standards of the Florida Green Building Coalition .   Development design will include:

  • Eco-Friendly architectural design to minimize energy use by the homeowner
  • Use of renewable and easily accessible building materials  minimizing the overall environmental impact of the development
  • Drought resistant landscaping with grouping of plants with similar water needs and strategic placement to facilitate cooling of the home
  • Preservation or donation of existing vegetation and top soil at the development sites when possible
  • Installation of low-flow water fixtures and alternative flooring, i.e. minimal use of carpeting
  • Inclusion of Energy Star and other high energy efficient appliances

All of the homes will be made available to households earning at or below 80% of the area median income  addressing the need for affordable homeownership in the CRA.  This investment will help to increase the tax base, create jobs, prevent crime by reducing the number of vacant properties, and improve the quality life in the area.

Development Team |

  • Harnett Building Group
  • Richard Jones Architecture, Inc.
  • Two Trails Inc. - Green Building Consultants
  • Bob Fleck, Landscape Architect
  • Bob Buggee, Surveyor

About | Neighborhood Renaissance

Neighborhood Renaissance is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit community development corporation dedicated to breathing new life into economically distressed neighborhoods  by creating workforce housing opportunities, jobs, and small business prospects for low- and moderate-income persons.  Previous projects include the “Miracle on 34th Street” in West Palm Beach and the building or rehabilitation of approximately 30 in-fill homes in the north end of West Palm Beach through their Community Land Trust program and the lease-to-purchase program.

Source | Christina Hewitt, Housing Manager chewitt at neighborhoodrenissance.org

 

Read More
Two Trails In The News admin Two Trails In The News admin

Drew Smith in the bay mag : the beauty of green

We loving refer to this home as the Coffee Pot house built on the Coffee Pot bay in St. Petersburg, FL.  The home is beautiful, not only on the inside and out, but it boasts some amazing green building science.  The article features builder, Jimmy Bratton of Design Works, of St. Petersburg.  The article explains thegreen features of the home and the ambition of the owners to build an amazing green home.

We loving refer to this home as the Coffee Pot house built on the Coffee Pot bay in St. Petersburg, FL.  The home is beautiful, not only on the inside and out, but it boasts some amazing green building science.  The article features builder, Jimmy Bratton of Design Works, of St. Petersburg.  The article explains the  green features of the home and the ambition of the owners to build an amazing green home.  The article quoted Drew Smith from Two Trails and compliments him on his consulting expertise in helping build the home to local and nationally recognized certification standards. This article written by Judy Stark and photos by James Borchuck: Flash Mag April 2011 page 54

Read More
Two Trails In The News admin Two Trails In The News admin

New American Home a Source of Latest Product, Design and Green Building Ideas

Two Trails Inc. were the Green Consultants on this project. The New American Home (TNAH) 2011 is beautiful and loaded with new products and design innovations that will stimulate the imagination of anyone who makes their living in the housing industry. The grand show home will be a highlight of the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), Jan. 12 through 15 in Orlando.

Two Trails Inc. were the Green Consultants on this project. The New American Home (TNAH) 2011 is beautiful and loaded with new products and design innovations that will stimulate the imagination of anyone who makes their living in the housing industry. The grand show home will be a highlight of the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), Jan. 12 through 15 in Orlando.

The home features American Empire design with Greek Revival elements and combines an inviting layout with elegant style, eccentric interiors and easy classicism. Built in a quiet Orlando neighborhood, it offers a view of a lake with the city skyline beyond.

“Anyone attending the International Builders’ Show should see The New American Home,” said Alex Hannigan, a past TNAH builder and current chairman of the TNAH Task Force, which oversees the project each year. “Whether you’re looking for inspiration on green building, technology systems integration or the latest design trends, this home will give you great ideas that you can take back to your business.”

Now in its 28th year, The New American Home is constructed annually in conjunction with the IBS to showcase innovative building technologies and the latest building products.

As NAHB’s official show home, it displays design trends, construction techniques and materials that the building industry can use in any new or remodeled home. The showcase products in the home are provided by members of NCHI, the National Council of the Housing Industry, the leading manufacturers and suppliers for the construction industry.

Unlike previous New American Homes, which were sold after the Builders’ Show, TNAH 2011 is a custom residence that is being constructed for specific buyers.

Built by Orlando Builder Continental Homes, it is being constructed on an infill building site in an older neighborhood on the South side of Lake Davis near downtown. The architect of design for the project was Michael Curtis of The Studio in Alexandria, Va., and the architect of record was Christopher M. Donnelly of Donnelly Architecture, Inc. in Beverly Hills, Fla. Kate Clarke of Continental Design oversaw the home’s interior design.

In keeping with increasing demand for energy- and resource-efficiency, TNAH 2011 has been built to achieve “Emerald” status under the National Green Building Standard, and is seeking certification at this time. The standard was developed by NAHB and is approved by ANSI, the American National Standards Institute. “Emerald” is the highest of the four levels of achievement in resource efficiency that the standard recognizes.

To attain the Emerald level, TNAH 2011 relies on the latest innovations in green building and construction technology, including a state-of-the-art energy efficiency package.

The home’s green building features include masonry block construction for exterior walls, a solar-assisted HVAC system, solar hot water heater with gas backup, open and closed spray foam insulation for different parts of the house and photovoltaic cells. It also includes a greywater recycling system, tankless hot water heaters, hydronic air handlers and “intelligent” fire places.

Other energy and resource efficiency features include:

  • Energy Star appliances
  • Low VOC paints, stains, adhesives and sealants
  • Formaldehyde-free wood cabinetry, paneling and sheathing
  • Whole-house automation system
  • Whole-house lighting control system
  • Dual-flush water closets
  • Low-flow shower head and faucets
  • Native and drought-tolerant plants
  • Artificial grass
  • Weather-controlled irrigation system
  • Rainwater harvesting system

In addition to state-of-the-art green building technology, TNAH 2011 features dynamic aesthetic design, including fountains, pools, solar elements and leading-edge art-glass work.

In addition to the Emerald certification under the National Green Building Standard, TNAH 2011 received the following:

“I live in Orlando, so I’ve been able to watch the construction of this home from beginning to end,” Hannigan said. “I’m very excited about TNAH 2011. It is full of innovative new products, the finishes are excellent and the interior design by Kate Clarke is wonderfully creative.”

Registered IBS attendees who want to learn about the design trends and new products in TNAH 2011 will find the show home at 820 S. Lake Davis Drive in Orlando (12.3 miles and 19 minutes — subject to traffic — from the convention center).

[nggallery id=8]

Original Post: http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2010-12-13/Front+Page/7.html

Read More
Two Trails In The News admin Two Trails In The News admin

ecohome magazine: Case Study: Florida Concrete Home Is Ultra Strong and Energy Efficient by Design

Take a look a the article on the home we did with Jonathan Parks entitled The Oragami -Loft House. Since opening his architectural firm in 2002, Sarasota, Fla.-based architect Jonathan Parks AIA has quietly and consistently incorporated green building techniques into his residential projects.

Take a look a the article on the home we did with Jonathan Parks entitled The Oragami -Loft House. Since opening his architectural firm in 2002, Sarasota, Fla.-based architect Jonathan Parks AIA has quietly and consistently incorporated green building techniques into his residential projects.

For his wealthy clients, a high-performance shell is as much a given as striking interiors, fine finishes, and posh landscaping. Almost all of his customers assume their homes will be built to current and even cutting-edge best practices.

Here is a link to the rest  of the ecohouse article by Jennifer Goodman

Read More
Two Trails In The News admin Two Trails In The News admin

"Tech House" To Be Certified Green

Tech House, now being built by Vision Homes in the new Trillium subdivision off Sarasota's Proctor Road, will become the first demonstration house to receive "green" certification from the Florida Green Building Coalition, said "green" construction consultant Drew Smith of Two Trails Inc. Vision Homes and the Home Builders Association of Sarasota County hired Smith to certify that the house is built to FGBC standards. Smith recently became an accredited professional of the LEED program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Tech House, now being built by Vision Homes in the new Trillium subdivision off Sarasota's Proctor Road, will become the first demonstration house to receive "green" certification from the Florida Green Building Coalition, said "green" construction consultant Drew Smith of Two Trails Inc. Vision Homes and the Home Builders Association of Sarasota County hired Smith to certify that the house is built to FGBC standards. Smith recently became an accredited professional of the LEED program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Tech House will be ready for the Parade of Homes in late February, and will be open for about a year and a half. It's being built as a fund-raiser for the HBA.

“They’re doing a lot of neat things to it because it’s more than just building green,” said Smith. “They’re putting a lot of the newer technology into it … over and above (the FGBC standards).”

Among them:

-- A hurricane-shelter room.

-- Solar pavers in the pool deck so the pool will be heated from the solar decking material.

-- Super high-efficiency air conditioning.

-- Flapperless toilets.

-- Injected foam in the block walls, raising the R value from R-8 to about R-11, Smith said. There's also icynene insulation in the sealed attic.

-- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods certified with WaterWise landscaping.

-- Impact-glass on all windows except rear sliders, which will have Fabric Shield.

-- Spraying all interior framing wood with mold-resistant treatment. “It’s well worth doing and very inexpensive.”

The building won’t look like Florida House, but will act like it, said Smith. “It will be a newer version of it. We keep looking at new technologies.”

Read More