2015 Aurora Awards | Two Trails Clients Win 2 Golden Auroras, 9 Grand Auroras, 23 Aurora, & The People’s Choice Award
Summary: The Aurora Awards are presented at the Southeast Builders Conference (SEBC) Black Tie Gala event at the Rosen Center in Orlando, FL on July 18, 2015. The Award competition recognizes achievements in building design.
Summary: The Aurora Awards are presented at the Southeast Builders Conference (SEBC) Black Tie Gala event at the Rosen Center in Orlando, FL on July 18, 2015. The Award competition recognizes achievements in building design.
The Aurora Awards is a competitive award competition held during Southeast Builders Conference (SEBC). 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-five 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, Merchandising, Interior Design and many more. The winners in the categories also recognize major team members that contributed on the project.
An Aurora Award can be awarded to one entrant in each of the 135 categories. In addition to the 135 categories there are Grand Aurora Awards based on sub categories and one (this year there was a tie) Golden Aurora Award for the whole Award competition. “We are very proud of all our clients and were delighted to be apart of these award winning projects!” stated Drew Smith, COO of Two Trails. For a complete list of Two Trail Award winners please visit www.twotrails.com for a complete list of all winners visit www.theauroras.com
Golden Aurora Winners:
2015 Golden Aurora Award
Best of Show: Florida
Detached Single-Family Home - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 South Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, SAWA Design Studio, Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
2015 Golden Aurora Award
Best of Show: Florida
Custom Home One of a Kind - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio, Two Trails, Inc.
Grand Aurora Winners | Best of State:
2015 Grand Aurora Award Best of State: Florida
Detached Single-Family Home - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Borden Landscape Architecture,SAWA Design Studio , Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
The People’s Choice Award:
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Grand Aurora Winners:
2015 Grand Aurora Award: Detached Single-Family Home - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, SAWA Design Studio, Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #07-003
2015 Grand Aurora Award: CUSTOM HOME (One of a Kind) - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio, Two Trails, Inc.
Category #16-005
2015 Grand Aurora Award: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio, Two Trails, Inc.
Category #60F-002
2015 Grand Aurora Award: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME - $1,500,001-$2,000,000
Solstice Architects
Thirty Oaks
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Solstice Architects, Voigt Brothers Construction, DWY Landscape Architects, Two Trails Inc.
Category #60H-002
2015 Grand Aurora Award: WATER-WISE HOME - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, SAWA Design Studio, Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #61D-001
2015 Grand Aurora Award: SOLAR ENERGY HOUSE - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio, Two Trails, Inc.
Category #62F-001
2015 Grand Aurora Award: NATURAL GAS HOME - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Includes: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, SAWA Design Studio, Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #63D-001
2015 Grand Aurora Award: GREEN CONSTRUCTION - $1,000,001-$2,000,000 (New Construction)
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Category #65K-003
Aurora Award Winners:
2015 Aurora Award: Detached Single-Family Home - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio , SAWA Design Studio , Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #07-003
2015 Aurora Award: CUSTOM HOME One of a Kind - $500,001-$750,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Phoenix
Longboat Key, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., DSDG, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #05-006
2015 Aurora Award: CUSTOM HOME One of a Kind - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio, Two Trails, Inc.
Category #16-005
2015 Aurora Award: CUSTOM HOME One of a Kind - $1,000,001 - $1,500,000
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Category #17-005
2015 Aurora Award: CUSTOM HOME One of a Kind - $1,500,000-$2,000,000
Solstice Architects
Thirty Oaks
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Solstice Architects, Voigt Brothers Construction, DWY Landscape Architects, Two Trails Inc.
Category #18-006
2015 Aurora Award: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include:
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, SAWA Design Studio , Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #60D-001
2015 Aurora Award: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME - $500,001-$750,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Phoenjx
Longboat Key, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., DSDG, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #60E-002
2015 Aurora Award: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio , Two Trails, Inc.
Category #60F-002
2015 Aurora Award: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME - $1,000,001-$1,500,000
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Category #60G-001
2015 Aurora Award: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME - $1,500,001-$2,000,000
Solstice Architects
Thirty Oaks
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Solstice Architects, Voigt Brothers Construction, DWY Landscape Architects, Two Trails Inc.
Category #60H-002
2015 Aurora Award: WATER-WISE HOME - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include:
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio , SAWA Design Studio , Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
2015 Aurora Award: WATER-WISE HOME - $500,001-$750,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Phoenix
Longboat Key, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., DSDG, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #61D-001
2015 Aurora Award: WATER-WISE HOME - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio, Two Trails, Inc.
Category #61E-001
2015 Aurora Award: WATER-WISE HOME - $1,000,001-$1,500,000
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Category #61G-001
2015 Aurora Award: SOLAR ENERGY HOUSE - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio , Two Trails, Inc.
Category #62F-001
2015 Aurora Award: SOLAR ENERGY HOUSE - $1,000,001-$1,500,000
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Category #62G-001
2015 Aurora Award: NATURAL GAS HOME - $300,001-$500,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio , SAWA Design Studio , Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #63D-001
2015 Aurora Award: NATURAL GAS HOME - $750,001-$1,000,000
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Member Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio , Two Trails, Inc.
Category #63F-001
2015 Aurora Award: NATURAL GAS HOME - $1,000,001-$1,500,000
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Category #63G-001
2015 Aurora Award: NATURAL GAS HOME - $1,500,001-$2,000,000
Phil Kean Design Group
Uma Wasi
Orlando, FL
Team Members Include: Phil Kean Design Group, Two Trails, Inc.
Category #63H-001
2015 Aurora Award: GREEN CONSTRUCTION - Under $500,000 (Demonstration Model)
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
1414 S Osprey
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, SAWA Design Studio, Borden Landscape Design, Latitude 27 Properties, Inc., Two Trails, Inc.
Category #65C-001
2015 Aurora Award: GREEN CONSTRUCTION - $500,001-$1,000,000 (New Construction)
Josh Wynne Construction, Inc.
Lotus on Orange
Sarasota, FL
Team Members Include: Josh Wynne Construction, Inc., Leader Design Studio, Michael A Gilkey, Inc., SAWA Design Studio, Two Trails, Inc.
Category #65J-001
2015 Aurora Award: GREEN CONSTRUCTION - $1,000,001-$2,000,000 (New Construction)
Sharp Design Studios
The Element House
Belleair Beach, FL
Team Members Include: Sharp Design Studios, R&S Engineering and Construction Co., Paul and Sherry Cavanaugh, Two Trails, Inc., Gramatica SIPS International
Category #65K-003
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 sustainable 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. Drew provided his firm with a thorough understanding of the science of building sustainable, healthy, environmentally conscious, and affordable solutions for the building industry. Drew was “green” before “green” was more than a color.
About Two Trails, Inc. | Two Trails, Inc. is a Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001. The company provides sustainable consulting services nationwide for commercial, residential, remodeling, and developments seeking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications.
Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, 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.
Contact Information:
Tom Rupp
Two Trails, Inc.
Communications and Marketing Manager
tom at twotrails.com
941-776-8680
Drew Smith Appointed to the National Association of Home Builders 2015 Energy & Green Codes & Standards Subcommittee
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released the appointments to the 2015 Energy & Green Codes & Standards Subcommittee that Drew Smith COO of Two Trails Inc. has been appointed to the subcommittee.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released the appointments to the 2015 Energy & Green Codes & Standards Subcommittee that Drew Smith COO of Two Trails Inc. has been appointed to the subcommittee. Drew’s company Two Trails is one of the nations leading sustainable building consulting firms. Drew has always been involved within the building industry volunteering his time to national and local building organizations in the effort to mold and help shape the future of sustainable building practices. Drew’s premise as a green building consultant is to be a resource for questions and issues surrounding sustainable building. Drew is delighted to be chosen to participate on the 2015 Energy & Green Codes & Standards subcommittee. Listed are Drew’s current and past appointments.
- Governor Appointment as Green Building Commissioner for the State of Florida 2008 – 2016
- President – Building Industry Assoc. of Manatee/Sarasota 2013-15
- NAHB National Director 2008 - 2015
- NAHB Design Committee Member 2013-15
- NAHB Energy & Green Codes & Standards Subcommittee Member 2015
- FHBA State Director 2008 - 2015
- Vice Chair-Local LEED Chapter Governing Council
- Past Chairman - Florida Home Builders Assoc. Green Building Council
- Board of Directors - Florida Green Energy Council 2009 - 2015
- Trustee - Florida Home Builders Association Foundation
- 2008 Builder of the Year - Sarasota Building Industry Association
- Chairman - Manatee - Sarasota Home Builders Association Green Building Council 2007-2009
- Founding President of Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC)
- Board of Directors for Florida Green Building Coalition 2000 – 2007, 2009-2015
- Sarasota County Liaison for implementation of Green Building Ordinance.
- Member of Sarasota Home Builders Assoc. Manatee/Sarasota
- Vice Chairman - Florida Home Builders Association Green Building Council | 2008
- Board of Directors - Florida Green Energy Council I 2009
- Trustee - Florida Home Builders Association Foundation | 2008
- 2008 Builder of the Year - Sarasota Building Industry Association
- Chairman - USGBC Myakka River Branch LEED for Homes Committee | 2009-2012
- President of Pasco Builders Association | 1990
- Government Affairs Chairman, Pasco Association | 1989
- Founding President of Florida Green Building Coalition | 2000-2002
- Board of Directors for Florida Green Building Coalition | 2000 – 2007
- Assisted Sarasota County in the implementation of Green Building Ordinance
- Assisted Pasco County in the implementation of Green Building Ordinance
- Assisted City of Tampa in the implementation of Green Building Ordinance
- Assisted Charlotte County in the development of a Green Building Ordinance
- Member of United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
- Member of Florida Gulf Coast USGBC
- Member of the Indoor Air Quality Association
- Member of Sustainable Sarasota
- Member of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
- Member of Florida Home Builders Association
- Member of Sarasota Home Builders Association
- Member of Global Green
- Member of North Carolina Green Initiative
- Member of Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Advisory Board
- Member of The Florida House Advisory Board
- Awarded the “Green Hammer” for outstanding service for FGBC
- Awarded certificate of appreciation from Sarasota County Government Conservation
- Awarded 2007 and 2006 Environmental Business Award from the Audubon Society for significant contributions to the environment through innovative “green” business practices
- Promising Practice Award | 2006 & 2007
- FGBC Certifying Agent of the Year 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
- NAHB Advocate of the Year 2013
- NAHB Multi-Family Project of the Year 2013
- USGBC LEED for Homes Residential Project of the Year 2011
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 sustainable 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. Drew provided his firm with a thorough understanding of the science of building sustainable, healthy, environmentally conscious, and affordable solutions for the building industry. Drew was “green” before “green” was more than a color.
About Two Trails, Inc. | Two Trails, Inc. is a Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001. The company provides sustainable consulting services nationwide for commercial, residential, remodeling, and developments seeking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications.
Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, 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.
Sustainability features of the International Builders Show 2015 New American Showcase Home
Las Vegas, NV – The NAHB 2015 International Builders Show held in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the culmination of building industry professionals meeting on new initiatives, learning about best practices and the latest products showcased by industry manufactures. This years New American Home is the first semi-production showcase home to be sustainable and Net-Zero.
Las Vegas, NV – The NAHB 2015 International Builders Show held in Las Vegas, NV at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the culmination of building industry professionals meeting on new initiatives, learning about best practices and the latest products showcased by industry manufactures. This years New American Home is the first semi-production showcase home to be sustainable and Net-Zero. Two Trails was also chosen for a fifth year in a row to be the Sustainability Building Consultants and verifiers for The NAHB 2015 New American Home and has also been chosen to be on The 2016 New American Home project team. The New American Home is one of NAHB’s most successful and visible programs produced and presented by the NAHB Leading Suppliers Council. The design, construction and amenities are market driven, and showcase the latest in innovative products for the future of home building. The show home demonstrates “Builders' Best Practices:" concepts, materials, designs and construction techniques that can be replicated – in whole or in part – in housing built any place and in any price range. Incorporating such elements as the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, safety and universal design as well as market value is a principal goal of The New American Home program. Its mission is to show that housing performance can be incorporated into the most simple or most complex homes, and that it’s equally as important as aesthetics.
The Homes’ Design/Build Team, Blue Heron, introduced many unique and cutting edge design elements while keeping in mind the importance of incorporating sustainable building techniques. With the advisement of Two Trails the home was able to achieve multiple sustainable building certifications. “ The NAHB Leading Suppliers Council put together a great design/build team and suppliers to build a remarkable home this year!” stated Drew Smith COO of Two Trails Inc.
Energy Efficiency and Innovation
As the NAHB’s official show home, The New American Home is a symbol of energy efficiency and innovation. The home exhibits cutting-edge products from manufacturers all over the world. It is the 1st year in New American Home history that the home has hit Net Zero energy. Since the home is a semi-production home, this home can easily be replicated. Demonstrating that semi-production homes can achieve the same sustainable features and be Net Zero with photovoltaics as custom homes.
TNAH 2015 is designed to exceed the requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard™. Its energy-efficient features can be used in homes in a hot-dry climate at any price point with similar energy savings. The home will also be certified Platinum under the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED for Homes program, the EPA Energy Star program as well as the Indoor airPLUS program and Builders Challenge.
Two Trails, Inc. worked closely with NCHI to ensure energy efficiency and innovation in TNAH 2015. This home boasts a HERS Index of -13! It is expected to consume 104% less energy than if it were built to code (2009 IECC). At this level of energy efficiency, the home is designed to provide over $4,700 in annual energy savings to the homeowner.
Key Energy Features
The New American Home achieves a very high level of energy efficiency. The most noteworthy features of TNAH 2015 include the air tightness of its thermal shell and the use of solar energy. Under blower door testing, the thermal shell achieves 4.81 air changes at 50 Pa, an amount that is considered very airtight and keeps unwanted outdoor dry air from entering the home. Open-cell spray foam insulation is used on the inside of walls and underside of the roof deck, as well as around any penetrations, to prevent air leakage.
The home uses solar energy to power a portion of its electrical systems, space conditioning and hot water systems. The 15.045KW Photovoltaic (PV) system will provide approximately 83% of the annual energy needs for the home. A synchronized system of (2) Bosch natural gas-fueled tankless water heaters satisfies all of the hot water needs. The home also features both Natural Gas and Electric car charging stations in the Garage.
Systems Engineering Approach
The systems-engineering approach unites segments of the building industry that have previously worked independently of one another.
The concept is simple: systems-engineering can make America’s homes cost effective to build or retrofit and energy efficient to live in. Energy consumption of new houses can be reduced by as much as 30% with little or no impact on the cost of construction. Similar performance can be achieved in existing homes.
To reach this goal, the Blue Heron Building team worked with their building partners to produce a home that incorporates energy and material saving strategies from design through construction. First, the team analyzed and selected cost-effective strategies for improving home performance. Next, the team evaluated design, business, and construction practices within individual partnerships to identify cost savings. Cost savings could then be reinvested to improve energy performance and product quality. For example, a design that incorporates new techniques for tightening the building envelope enabled Blue Heron Building to install smaller, less expensive heating and cooling systems. The savings generated in this process can then be reinvested in other high-performance features to further reduce energy use.
The “pilot” or “test” home is the field application of solution design. The team assisted Blue Heron in building TNAH according to strategic design, then tested each system for efficiency and made any necessary changes to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness. Before additional houses are built, these changes are incorporated into the design. This process of analysis, field implementation, reanalysis, and design alteration facilitates ultimate home performance once a design or retrofit strategy is ready for use in production or community-scale housing.
Understanding the interaction between each component in the home is paramount to the systems-engineering approach. Throughout design and construction, the relationship between building site, envelope, mechanical systems, and other factors is carefully considered. Recognizing that features of one component can dramatically affect the performance of others enables the Blue Heron team to engineer energy-saving strategies at little or no extra cost.
Thermal Shell
■Exterior frame walls insulated to R-20 with Bayer open-cell spray foam insulation
■ Unvented and air sealed attic with average R-38 open-cell spray foam insulation on underside of roof deck
■ Sierra Pacific windows and patio doors with low-e coating and argon gas fill to limit solar heat gain (SHGC = 0.17, U-value = 0.39 max) air tightness
■ Openings and penetrations sealed to achieve 4.81 natural air changes under blower door testing at 50 Pa
■ Open-cell spray foam insulation creates airtight attic space
■ Large overhangs to aid in protecting the home from the harsh Nevada sun
■ Energy Star rated roof to aid in keeping the home cool
■ Light colored exterior to assist in reflecting the sun
HVAC
■ Space conditioning is provided by Trane Variable Speed Comfort Link II 18 SEER Heat Pumps with and mini-split systems.
■ Variable speed compressors in outdoor heat pump units adds efficiency and quietness
■ Ultra-violet light air treatment system improves indoor air quality
■ Mechanical ventilation provided by efficient energy recovery ventilators (ERV)
■ Space conditioning system located entirely within conditioned space
■Ductwork sealed for air tightness to have 0.015 leakage to outdoors
Hot Water
■ Natural gas-fueled Bosch tankless water heaters (EF = 0.95) provides the hot water
Electrical
■ 100% of all interior and exterior lamps are energy-efficient LED lighting, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs)
■ ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, including dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and clothes washer
■ 15.045KW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system
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 sustainable 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.
About Two Trails, Inc. | Two Trails, Inc. is a Sustainable Building Consulting firm established in 2001. We provide sustainable consulting services nationwide for commercial, residential, remodeling, and developments looking to obtain LEED USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, Energy Star, & Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) certifications.
Our COO, Drew M. Smith, LEED AP, 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.
Drew Smith of Two Trails receives Certifying Agent of the Year for the fourth time at this year’s GreenTrends Conference.
Green Trends was held this year at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota in Sarasota FL. on August 13-15, 2014. GreenTrends Conference & Tradeshow draws an active green building audience of builders, architects, facility managers, green consultants, and product representatives to learn and share about the latest cost-saving strategies. This year’s annual award ceremony highlighted accomplishments for Drew Smith of Two Trails and his clients.
Green Trends was held this year at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota in Sarasota FL. on August 13-15, 2014. GreenTrends Conference & Tradeshow draws an active green building audience of builders, architects, facility managers, green consultants, and product representatives to learn and share about the latest cost-saving strategies. This year’s annual award ceremony highlighted accomplishments for Drew Smith of Two Trails and his clients.
GreenTrends Conference is sponsored by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Green Building Standard. The FGBC Green Home Standard indicates the criteria by which a Florida home, new or existing, can be designated green. Certifying Agents can guide designers, builders or homebuyers through the process of qualifying and documenting green homes. The FGBC Green home standard takes into consideration the unique climate to which home are constructed in the state of Florida which is unlike the national standards. Similar to the national standards FGBC does require a third party certification for verification that the home is built to the FGBC standard.
At this years award ceremony Drew Smith President of Two Trails Inc. received Certifying Agent of the Year for 2013 at this year’s conference. Drew has previously received this award in 2008, 2010, 2011 & 2012. In 2013 Two Trails has certified 721 homes to the FGBC standard. Within the 721 certified homes Two Trails clients also received special recognition. Neal Communities-Builder of the Year-Most Homes Certified Single-Family Category and McIntyre Elwell & Strammer General Contractors-Builder of the Year-Most Homes Certified Multi-Family Category.
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.
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.
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.
Two Trails Green Building Consulting Is Chosen For Three Crescent Communities Projects & Three AutoNation Projects
Six new developments are choosing to build their projects to a green building standard. Two Trails: Green Building Consulting was chosen as the consultants and verifiers for the three new Crescent Community Developments & three new AutoNation Projects. Crescent Communities mission is to create residential, commercial, multi-family and land developments that cultivate communities with lasting legacies. Two Trails was asked to join the team for the Crescent Bayshore Community in Tampa, Florida, the Crescent Central Station Project in Orlando, Florida, and the Crescent Crosstown Project in Tampa, Florida.
Six new developments are choosing to build their projects to a green building standard. Two Trails: Green Building Consulting was chosen as the consultants and verifiers for the three new Crescent Community Developments & three new AutoNation Projects. Crescent Communities mission is to create residential, commercial, multi-family and land developments that cultivate communities with lasting legacies. Two Trails was asked to join the team for the Crescent Bayshore Community in Tampa, Florida, the Crescent Central Station Project in Orlando, Florida, and the Crescent Crosstown Project in Tampa, Florida.
The Crescent Bayshore Community will be pursuing the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) HiRise Certification. The FGBC Certification is a third party verification program that takes into consideration the unique climate challenges in the state of Florida. Crescent Bayshore is located on the edge of elegant Hyde park right on Bayshore Boulevard, residents have stunning views of the bay along with access to the area’s best restaurants, outdoor activities and culture centers.
Crescent Central Station will be pursuing the National Green Building Standard Multifamily Certification. The National Green Building Standard is the first and only residential green building-rating program to undergo the full consensus process and receive approval from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Crescent Central Station is a mixed-use project with 275 luxury apartments and more than 20,000 square feet of amenities and urban retail space along the 61-mile SunRail commuter train station scheduled to launch in 2014. Crescent Central Station will be prominently located at the intersection of Orange Avenue and Amelia Street, taking up the northern portion of Central Station in Orlando's Central Business District.
Crescent Crosstown will pursue the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED Certification. Crescent Crosstown offers spacious living in a wooded retreat amongst the tall oaks of Brandon, while still just a short drive from Westfield Mall, downtown Tampa and historic Ybor City. Crescent Crosstown will be the area's newest community loaded with resort-caliber amenities.
AutoNation continues to build their new projects to a LEED Certification. The LEED green building certification program is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of green buildings. For a company driven to be the best and has a focus on operational excellence building to a third party certification is a natural choice to help in operational costs for their facility. The LEED for New Construction rating system focuses on six credit categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design. As a company focused on operational costs, obtaining a LEED certification is a responsible action to its’ investors, but also to their employees, clients, and environments in which they operate. Two Trails worked on their first two LEED certified projects; Mercedes Benz of Sarasota, FL and BMW of Tucson, AZ. AutoNation is also pursuing a LEED certification for their three new projects for Mercedes Benz of Marietta, GA, Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel, FL, and Hyundai of Corpus Christi, TX.
Two Trails Clients Win 3 Out Of 4 Best In Green Residential Design: 2014 Professional Builder Magazine Design Awards
The third annual Professional Builder Design Awards honor the best in residential design. More about all the winners can be found in the January issue of Professional Builder or at www.ProBuilder.comTwo Trails is very proud to see our clients take home three of the four awards in the green category for the award program.
The third annual Professional Builder Design Awards honor the best in residential design. More about all the winners can be found in the January issue of Professional Builder or at www.ProBuilder.comTwo Trails is very proud to see our clients take home three of the four awards in the green category for the award program. The Green Platinum Award went to Robert Arkin of Florida Green Home Design Group and Architect Ari Sklar for the 2020 Aton project in Miami FL. The sleek modern project features an abundance of concrete and glass. Given the area’s history of severe weather, the team made sure the project’s renewable energy systems resisted storms. The solar panels can withstand winds of 160 mph. The low–E windows are built to withstand a category 5 strength winds. The rainwater cistern and the home’s reflecting pool are both lined with a nontoxic epoxy that renders the water potable in the event of an emergency. The project received a LEED Platinum Certification.
The Green Silver Award went to Nathan Cross of NWC Construction for the 2013 New Southern Home project in Bella Isle, FL. The home design aspects were inspired by the Florida Panhandle’s Seaside Chapel. The home features high-efficiency HVAC, spray foam insulation in the walls and ceiling, low-E windows and advanced framing techniques to save materials. The project received a LEED Silver Certification.
The Green Bronze Award went to Marc Rutenburg Homes and Marc-Michaels Interior Design for the Zero Energy America, Castaway III project in Palm Harbor, FL. The home demonstrates extreme green building with net-zero electric bills. The 4,552 sg/ft home was built to be both beautiful and as green as possible. The project received a LEED Platinum Certification.
"We are delighted to have our client’s projects succeed with building green. We are glad to see our clients hard work pays off with such great recognition. They all deserve to be recognized for their outstanding work on their respective projects. We look forward to see more accolades in the future for all our clients. We are delighted to be a part of every project we help bring to a green building standard.” Drew Smith COO of Two Trails Green Building Consulting.
Two Trails Inc. Green Building Consultants for NAHB 2014 New American Home and The 2015 New American Home.
The International Builders Show held this year in Las Vegas, Nevada February 4-6 is the building industry’s largest builder show. Two Trails Green Building Consultants was chosen to the be the Green Building consultants on this years home as well has been chosen to consult on next years home.
The International Builders Show held this year in Las Vegas, Nevada February 4-6 is the building industry’s largest builder show. Two Trails Green Building Consultants was chosen to the be the Green Building consultants on this years home as well has been chosen to consult on next years home. The 2014 New American home featured Element Building Company as the builder, Jeffery Berkus Architects as the architectural firm and Marc Michaels Interior Design. The NAHB Leading Suppliers Council heads the showcase home. Vendors within the building industry come together to show their latest products and building techniques. This year’s home also features design concepts including multi-generational living, indoor-outdoor space, earth elemental tones, and energy efficiency.
As the NAHB’s official show home, The New American Home is a symbol of energy efficiency and innovation. The home exhibits cutting-edge products from manufacturers all over the world.
TNAH 2014 is designed to exceed the requirements for certification to the Emerald level of the National Green Building Standard™. Its energy-efficient features can be used in homes in a hot-dry climate at any price point with similar energy savings. The home is also certified Platinum under the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED for Homes program, the EPA Energy Star program as well as the Indoor airPLUS program.
Two Trails, Inc. worked closely with NCHI to ensure energy efficiency and innovation in TNAH 2014. This home boasts a HERS Index of 22! It is expected to consume 78% less energy than if it were built to code (2009 IECC). At this level of energy efficiency, the home is designed to provide over $2,000 in annual energy savings to the homeowner.
The New American Home achieves a very high level of energy efficiency. The most noteworthy features of TNAH 2014 include the air tightness of its thermal shell and the use of solar energy. Under blower door testing, the thermal shell achieves 2.69 air changes at 50 Pa, an amount that is considered very airtight and keeps unwanted outdoor dry air from entering the home. Open-cell spray foam insulation is used on the inside of walls and underside of the roof deck, as well as around any penetrations, to prevent air leakage.
The home uses solar energy to power a portion of its electrical systems, space conditioning and hot water systems. The 16KW Photovoltaic (PV) system will provide approximately 83% of the annual energy needs for the home. A synchronized system of (4) Rannai natural gas-fueled tankless water heaters satisfies all of the hot water needs. The home also features both Natural Gas and Electric car charging stations in the Garage.
The systems-engineering approach unites segments of the building industry that have previously worked independently of one another.
The concept is simple: systems-engineering can make America’s homes cost effective to build or retrofit and energy efficient to live in. Energy consumption of new houses can be reduced by as much as 30% with little or no impact on the cost of construction. Similar performance can be achieved in existing homes.
To reach this goal, the Element Building team worked with their building partners to produce a home that incorporates energy and material saving strategies from design through construction. First, the team analyzed and selected cost-effective strategies for improving home performance. Next, the team evaluated design, business, and construction practices within individual partnerships to identify cost savings. Cost savings could then be reinvested to improve energy performance and product quality. For example, a design that incorporates new techniques for tightening the building envelope enabled Element Building to install smaller, less expensive heating and cooling systems. The savings generated in this process can then be reinvested in other high-performance features to further reduce energy use.
The “pilot” or “test” home is the field application of solution design. The team assisted Element Building in building TNAH according to strategic design, then tested each system for efficiency and made any necessary changes to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness. Before additional houses are built, these changes are incorporated into the design. This process of analysis, field implementation, reanalysis, and design alteration facilitates ultimate home performance once a design or retrofit strategy is ready for use in production or community-scale housing.
Understanding the interaction between each component in the home is paramount to the systems-engineering approach. Throughout design and construction, the relationship between building site, envelope, mechanical systems, and other factors is carefully considered. Recognizing that features of one component can dramatically affect the performance of others enables the Element Building team to engineer energy-saving strategies at little or no extra cost.
Two Trails is honored and proud to have been chosen to work on the 2014 New American Home. We look forward to next years NAHB International Builders show and to work with the Blue Heron Design and Build team for the 2015 New American Home.
Drew Smith President of Two Trails Green Building Consulting Appointed President of Building Industry Association of Manatee Sarasota
The Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association held their Installation of officers meeting on November 13, 2013 at the Sarasota Polo Clubhouse. At which time Drew Smith President of Two Trails Green Building Consulting was appointed the 2013 President of the association. Drew Smith started out over 15 years ago 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.
The Manatee Sarasota Building Industry Association held their Installation of officers meeting on November 13, 2013 at the Sarasota Polo Clubhouse. At which time Drew Smith President of Two Trails Green Building Consulting was appointed the 2013 President of the association. Drew Smith started out over 15 years ago 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.
In the years to follow his firm has become one of the nations premier green building consulting firms. Following his mission statement when he started his consulting firm he dedicates countless hours to better the industry that he is passionate about. Drew has proven not only to be a valuable resource, but a leader that truly cares about the industry and be a voice that will help lead the building industry to safe, efficient, and logical choices for the future. Drew is honored to be appointed to President of the Building Industry Association of Manatee/Sarasota. Drew’s goal is to increase cross member participation between trades and encourage members to look to each other for opportunities to work with each other on projects. This appointment is his latest industry involvement. Below are his other current industry positions.
Florida Building Commissioner – Representing the Green Building Industry
Florida Building Commission – Chair – Energy Technical Advisory Committee
NAHB – Board of Directors
NAHB – Energy and Green Building Committee
NAHB – Design Committee
FHBA – Board of Directors
FHBA – Chair - Green & Remodelers Council
FHBA – Area VI Builder V.P.
USGBC – Board Member – Tampa Bay Chapter
Building Industry Association of Manatee Sarasota – President
Two Trails Client Wins USGBC South Florida GalaVerde Award For Most Outstanding LEED For Homes/Single Family With The 2020 Alton Project
The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) South Florida Chapter held their GalaVerde Awards Celebration at Hyatt Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale on September 21, 2013. With over 75 applicants submitting for 17 awards in total, the judges for this competition had the regions top projects to select from and award the coveted awards. Some of the project categories included Public, Private, Single-Family, Municipal, Educational, Healthcare and Corporate. Two Trails client Matt Lahn owner of Florida Green Home Design Group won the USGBC South Florida GalaVerde Green Award for Most Outstanding LEED for Homes/Single Family for their work on the 2020 Alton project in Miami, FL. To our knowledge this project is the highest scoring LEED home in the nation with 120/80 points earned giving it a LEED Platinum designation.
The USGBC (United States Green Building Council) South Florida Chapter held their GalaVerde Awards Celebration at Hyatt Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale on September 21, 2013. With over 75 applicants submitting for 17 awards in total, the judges for this competition had the regions top projects to select from and award the coveted awards. Some of the project categories included Public, Private, Single-Family, Municipal, Educational, Healthcare and Corporate. Two Trails client Matt Lahn owner of Florida Green Home Design Group won the USGBC South Florida GalaVerde Green Award for Most Outstanding LEED for Homes/Single Family for their work on the 2020 Alton project in Miami, FL. To our knowledge this project is the highest scoring LEED home in the nation with 120/80 points earned giving it a LEED Platinum designation.
The 2020 Alton project is a sleek, super-modern beauty — all concrete, glass, high-end European appliances, and high-tech bells and whistles. The project is about 3,200 square feet and it’s luxurious. The home, which for most days is net-zero, will also boast a minimal environmental footprint, a rarity in the area for new builds. The compact and efficient design of this home manages to fit five bedrooms and five bathrooms in just 3,200 sq. ft. Nestled on a site of 58x120 and with setbacks imposed by the city, the design sought to take advantage of these dimensions by making the main portion of the home a cube, which would be setback substantially from the busy street. An exposed masonry wall further protects the house by wrapping it on the north and west while creating a private courtyard for swimming and a balcony with views of the golf course across the street.
The home includes a dual 600-watt vertical axis wind turbine, a geothermal heating and cooling system, 7,000-gallon rainwater cistern, and a HERS rating of -8. And then there’s the 11.5-kilowatt rooftop solar array composed of frameless photovoltaic panels produced by 1SolTech. This project is among the first building projects, residential or commercial, to utilize these innovative, American-made solar panels. Given its Miami location and rough weather situations, the project's renewable energy systems are storm-resistant: the solar panels are rated for 160 mph winds and the turbines easily collapsible for when things outside get too windy. Additionally, there’s a back-up battery system and the aluminum framed, low-E windows from CGI are built to withstand Category 5-strength hurricane winds. A very unique feature is the rainwater cistern and the home’s reflecting pool are both lined with a nontoxic epoxy called Pond Armor that renders the water potable in the event of emergencies.
Other green specs of the 2020 Alton project include LED lighting throughout, sustainable wood custom cabinetry from Poggenpohl, WaterSense-qualified Toto faucets and fixtures, recycled glass countertops from Vetrazzo, Sherwin Williams low-VOC paints and finishes, and Icynene spray foam insulation. Outside, there’s Resyta decking and a pool equipped with an EcoSmarte water purification system that eliminates the need for chemicals. Last but not least the projects home's Walk Score of 85 is beyond excellent. South Beach is a short stroll away.
Green achievements for 2020 Alton:
- United States Green Building Council: LEED for Homes, LEED Platinum Designation
- Home Innovation Research Labs: ICC 700 National Green Building Standard EMERALD (highest level), indicating that the home saves 60% or more of its energy use.
- HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index: -8 (100 is normal for new construction)
- Named an Energy Star® Qualified Home.
Team Members:
Green Building Consultant: Two Trails Inc.
Owner: Florida Green Home Design Group
Architect: Ari Sklar
Contractor: Robert Arkin
MEP Engineers: Buchanan P.E. Consulting Inc.
Structural Engineer: R.E. Engineering Design Corp.
Civil Engineer: Holland Enginerring Inc.