L.J. Kellam Construction, LLC is the first builder on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to achieve the Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification by the United States Green Building Council. The Platinum rating is the highest LEED rating a project can achieve, according to a company press release.
The project is a 3,500-square-foot residence on Holly Dale Drive inCape Charles. The site is a 15-acre parcel at the tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean on what is called Old Plantation Creek.
“The location provided an opportunity to design and build a home that enhances the natural surroundings and captures the expansive views,” said Luke Kellam, president of L.J. Kellam Construction, in a press release.
“We made every effort to preserve the tranquil setting with a minimal footprint on the property.”
The home was designed by Janet Harrison, architect with J. Harrison, Architect in Annapolis, Md. Harrison is one of the region’s leading green design consultants, and she was the green consultant for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Merrill Center, designed by the SmithGroup that won numerous awards including a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum Award.
The most important strategy to lower energy consumption in the residence was to design the house to work with the local climate. Orientation, massing, shading, natural ventilation, insulation and highly efficient windows are all crucial elements to the design. Every effort was made to maximize the efficiency of these factors before using energy to make the house comfortable.
The mechanical equipment is highly energy efficient. A geo-thermal heat pump was installed to take advantage of the stable temperature of groundwater that is used to heat and cool the house. In the summer, it uses water in the 50s instead of air in the 80s to cool the house, and the excess heat is reused to heat water for showers. Radiant floors allow the thermostat to be set at a lower temperature. The pergola surrounding the house has blades surgically placed to capitalize on winter sun, while preventing the summer sun’s higher rays from penetrating the structure.
More than 80 percent of the lighting is energy efficient, fluorescent, LED or Energy Star-certified. In addition, a 5.7 kilowatt array of photovoltaic panels produces solar energy. The panels are connected to a grid so they feed energy into the grid when producing more than the home is using.
“To the extent possible, we used local products in our construction materials,” said Kellam. “Local products require less transportation and reduce both fuel use and emissions. And, they support the local economy.” Local lumber was used for wall framing, local gypboard was used for all interior drywall, and local concrete and aggregate were used for the foundation, floor and patio. All lumber scraps were recycled into mulch at Maplewood Gardens, a local nursery.
Recycled materials were also used to divert materials from the waste stream. Those materials include 95% recycled drywall, galvalume roofing made from recycled steel, insulation made from shredded newspapers and countertops made from recycled mirrors, aluminum and shredded currency. Rapidly renewable natural materials such as bamboo, cork and linoleum were used for flooring. The exterior is James Hardie siding, which is engineered to protect the house from harsh climate and moisture.
The site was previously developed, so the new house was built on top of the old footprint to minimize disturbance of the land. The existing driveway was reused. The majority of the site remains in its natural state. Where the site was disturbed during construction, it was replanted with native grasses that need no watering. There are a few planting beds close to the house, which are irrigated with a low water drip system supplied by rainwater. All rainwater is collected in a cistern, which reduces water use as well as runoff to the Chesapeake Bay.
“We are very proud of this house and the Platinum LEED certification,” adds Kellam. “A lot of people assume that green building is prohibitively expensive. What we learned is that through careful planning and a very knowledgeable project team, it can be accomplished without pushing budgets beyond reach. Also, some of the energy-efficient systems qualify for tax credits.”
LEED is a voluntary program that provides third-party verification of green buildings.
Participation demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. LEED projects have been successfully established in 135 countries. Certified buildings are designed to lower operating costs, increase asset value, reduce waste, conserve energy and water, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and are healthier and safer for occupants. These properties qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities.
L.J. Kellam Construction Co. was founded by Luke Kellam in 2005. The company provides residential building and general contracting services on the Eastern Shore. The headquarters is located in Belle Haven, Virginia. For more information, visit www.kellamconstruction.com.
Posted by Kathy Van Mullekom; kvanmullekom@aol.com
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