Sustainable Design Blog

October 12, 2010 (Sarasota, FL)  Like a phoenix, a Sarasota housing project that had fallen into disrepair has been given a new, green lease on life. The Community Center at Janie’s Gardens recently received news that the project has earned LEED-NC Silver Certification from GBCI/U.S. Green Building Council.  A dedication ceremony is being planned for later this fall.

The completed first phase of the project has enjoyed praise from residents and housing groups.  In commenting on the announcement, Community Center architect Michael Carlson congratulated the City and the Sarasota Housing Authority.  “With the project’s green credentials established, Sarasota is making great strides in realizing its sustainability goals and providing a healthy facility for resident and neighborhood gatherings.  This is an accomplishment that the whole community can take pride in,” he said.

In addition to the newly-certified affordable housing project, there are currently six other green-certified buildings located inside the City limits. Carlson continued, “This recognition also demonstrates an important value in Sarasota: That everyone deserves healthy, highly-efficient buildings that save energy and conserve resources.  This project is a testament that Sarasota is willing to invest in providing access, showing leadership and making decent housing an attainable right for all its residents.”

The Janie Poe Community Center provides community service functions for residents of the new "Janie's Gardens" housing development. The Sarasota Housing Authority is redeveloping the existing Janie Poe community as a multi-phase project. Partners on the project include Torti Galas and Partners of Washignton D.C., Michael's Development Company (MDC), and civil engineering services provided by King Engineering. Stewart Engineering provided electrical, mechanical and plumbing engineering. Phase 1 of the redevelopment included 87 new multi-family residences in addition to the new Community Center.

The Community Center contains offices, a multipurpose room, computer labs, a media center, maintenance garage and a fitness center. The design incorporates deep porches for community gatherings as well as informal meeting spaces for the residents. The east side faces out on to an extensive green space that includes a children's play area and picnic facilities.

As part of the sustainability score the community center earned to receive its LEED-NC Silver certification, the facility features a highly efficient heating and air conditioning system, solar hot water production, it uses reclaimed water for toilet flushing, incorporates insulated and shaded glass, and has clerestory windows on the north facade to allow natural daylight inside which reduces the need for electric lighting.

Michaels Development is currently working on the redevelopment of the remainder of the Janie Poe site, as well as the redevelopment of the Bertha Mitchell and Orange Ave/The Courts sites.

The Cancer Support Community's "Building Hope" will officially open next Tuesday October 19th, 2010. The $6.1-million facility is located on five acres in north Sarasota County just east of I-75 in Lakewood Ranch. It will be run by the Cancer Support Community Florida Suncoast, the new name for the Wellness Community of Southwest Florida. The new center will include an 11,142-square-foot building and 2.2 acres of landscaped gardens. The facility is being designed to support people whose immune systems have been compromised.

The Building Hope project is seeking Gold Certification under the USGBC's Leadership in Energy and Enviromental Design (LEED) green building rating program.

Given the stress on the local economy, we might expect to find a decline in the number of significant new commercial buildings on our skyline. But within the last several months, five attention-grabbing buildings rose out of the ground, proof that strong architectural design is still enriching the local landscape.

Cancer Support Community—Southwest Florida (formerly The Wellness Community)

Project Architect: Michael Carlson, Carlson Studio Architecture

Contractors/Engineers: Wilson Miller Engineering, Stewart Engineering and Willis A. Smith Construction

The intriguing arched design of the Cancer Support Community facilities in Lakewood Ranch reflects the conviction that place matters in the treatment of health issues, especially one as disruptive as cancer. The complex, which was recently completed on a leafy five-acre campus, is conceived and executed as a worldwide model of a healing environment, one in which healthful materials, natural light, environmentally sound construction and natural surroundings combine to support people whose immune systems have often been compromised. Green technology, has been applied to the art studios, Internet cafe, teaching kitchen, meditation spaces and labyrinth garden, making the building eligible for Gold LEED certification. These facilities, provided to patients and their families free of charge, are intended to set the standard for others in a network of 50 local affiliates and 100 satellite locations.

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Each year, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce takes time to appreciate local businesses that have made a positive impact on our community throughout the year, either through architectural enhancements or community action and contributions. The annual Industry Appreciation Awards program is an important component of the Chamber’s business retention activities and we encourage your participation.

On September 16th, 2010 Kashi's By the River project was awarded "The New Multi Family Community" award by the Indian River Chamber of Commerce. 

By the River, located on Florida's Treasure Coast, is an affordable senior housing development established to serve the needs of the frail elderly and disabled. Built along the Roseland Road Corridor in Sebastian, By the River offers unique life enhancing programs and in-home health services.

Housed on over five acres of pine forest in close proximity to the beautiful St. Sebastian River, the green design ensures that every resident has access to the natural environment. In keeping with respect for our surroundings, By the River is built and operated in an eco-friendly, low-impact approach.

By the River
Location: 11155 Roseland Road, Sebastian 32958
Owner: By the River, Inc.
Architect: Carlson Studio Architecture
Landscape Architect: Rock City Gardens
Engineering firms: MBV Engineering; Hees & Associates Engineering; and Stewart Engineering
Builder: Kellogg and Kimsey Construction
Durgadas Hutner and Joe Coakley accepted the award

Babaram Mitchell Fac Mgr, Michael Carlson architect, Durga Das Hutner Pres, Patti Rooney CFS and Joe Coakley Dir of Charitable Gifts of BTR

By The River

Babaram Mitchell & Patti Rooney

SARASOTA HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES BOARD CHANGES

Sarasota, FL (September 15, 2010)—The Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) is announcing that its governing body has undergone some significant changes. First, John Colón, a Senior Vice President with Wells Fargo Advisors, was elected Chair of the Board at the agency’s Annual Meeting on August 4, 2010. Also elected that day was a new Vice Chair, Mary Anne Servian. Servian, a former Mayor and currently the Business Director for the Sarasota Ballet, is one of two new commissioners to be appointed this year.

In addition to Servian, who filled a vacancy left by Jude Levy, Michael R. Carlson, AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C was appointed September 7, 2010 to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Richard Martin. Carlson, a regional green building design professional, is president of Sarasota-based sustainable design firm, Carlson Studio Architecture. In addition, Valerie Buchand, SHA Agency-wide Resident Council President, was reappointed to a four-year term after completing her initial two-year term. The seven current SHA commissioners are: John Colón, Mary Anne Servian, Valerie Buchand, Michael Carlson, Veavie DeLaughter, Duane Finger and Joseph Miller.

“I want to thank Jude Levy and Richard Martin for their service to the Housing Authority. They were both active in chairing committees and brought a real commitment to the board. I also want to thank Duane Finger, our outgoing Chair, and Veavie DeLaughter, our outgoing Vice Chair. They did a tremendous job leading the agency during our post-HUD Receivership period these past two years,” Chair John Colón said.  

 “We are so pleased that Mary Anne Servian, Michael Carlson and Valerie Buchand have been appointed to our board. They each bring very valuable experience and skills to our governing body. I am also confident our new Chair John Colón will lead the board to continue the tremendous resurgence of the Sarasota Housing Authority,” said Bill Russell, the SHA Executive Director.

The Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) was established as a public housing authority in 1938 under Florida statute to administer federal housing assistance for low, very low and extremely low-income families. Presently SHA provides subsidized housing for over 1,800 low-income families in Sarasota, FL. SHA administers an annual budget of over $10 million with a staff of 26.

Carlson Studio Architecture took top honors Saturday night in the LEED for Homes category at the U.S. Green Building Council-South Florida chapter’s GALA Verde competition.  President Michael Carlson of Carlson Studio Architecture accepted the first place award on behalf of the firm’s 2009 HGTV Green Home entry at the sold-out event held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six Resort in Fort Lauderdale.  The resort is a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program.

“We are incredibly humbled to be recognized with this honor,” Carlson stated from the podium.  “South Florida architecture enjoys an enviable reputation and the caliber of competition this year was considerable.”

Celebrating its 3rd year recognizing and honoring outstanding projects, inspirational businesses, dedicated individuals and chapter members who are LEEDing the way to a more sustainable built environment in South Florida, this year’s GALA Verde was a veritable “who’s who” in green building design and construction throughout South Florida. Eligible entries had to be located in one of the following counties:  Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade or Monroe.

Judges evaluated nominees on their demonstration of a holistic approach toward integrating green building and sustainable practices and principles into the design, execution and operation of their project, business or individual leadership efforts as well as the development of innovative solutions to regional challenges.

The HGTV 2009 Green Home is located in the planned community of Tradition in Port St. Lucie on Florida’s southeast Treasure Coast.  The home is LEED Platinum Certified by the US Green Building Council.  It is a 2,430-square-foot contemporary home that incorporates traditional design elements. In addition to Architect Michael Carlson, members of the design/build project team were HGTV Dream Home Planner Manager Jack Thomasson along with Interior Designer Linda Woodrum, Tradition President Wes McCurry, Contractor Leon Camarda and Landscape Architect Scott Davidson.

The four bedroom-three bath home features construction and design elements that are known to contribute to an energy-efficient, cleaner and even healthier living environment.  Sustainable features for the home began by orienting the building to maximize north / south exposures for optimum shading and protect interiors from sun exposure.  Natural day light is captured throughout the house with distinctive clerestory windows above the main open living area and solar tube skylights in the hallway and kitchen.  The changing daylight in the house also creates a sense of time and connection to nature.

Modern roofing technologies such as high solar reflecting materials and a roof garden create a cool, comfortable patio space.  Even though the metal roof appears dark in color with its terracotta red finish, is actually made of a highly reflective material that prevents unwanted heat gain. Solar photo voltaic (PV) cells are discreetly and ingeniously installed above the breezeway connecting the garage to the home.  The cells use renewable energy (solar power) to lower electricity use.

A highly insulated, solid concrete wall system known as Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) offers unparalleled storm protection and energy savings.  Water saving plumbing fixtures and rainwater collection for irrigation reduce the house's water demands.  Healthy materials, furnishings and finishes were liberally incorporated throughout the home's interior to provide superior indoor air quality.  Many materials also have recycled content.  The concrete foundation and glass tiles in the bathrooms are some examples of this.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the USGBC’s standardized 3rd party verification system, administered by the Green Building Certification Institute, for certifying the world’s greenest, energy efficient and high performance buildings.  

For more information about the project

By JAMES A. JONES JR. - jajones1@bradenton.com  

LAKEWOOD RANCH

One of the more unusual buildings to be constructed here is the Cancer Support Community of Southwest Florida. A 156-foot long, 35-foot high arch, called the “Bridge of Hope,” ties two 6,000-square-foot buildings together.  Eight massive columns supporting the arch are preserved tree logs recovered from the Suwanee River.

The logs were harvested from old-growth forest and floated down river more than 100 years ago. Some of the logs sank to the bottom of the river and remained there a century until discovered and excavated. The long time under water helped preserve the wood.

Cancer Support Community, formerly The Wellness Community, is scheduled for an October opening.

The Wellness Community recently merged with Gilda’s Clubs Worldwide to become Cancer Support Community.

Architect Michael Carlson designed the facility with input from Ringling College students and faculty, cancer survivors and medical experts.

The building sits on a five-acre parcel in the Lakewood Ranch Corporate Park, backs up to Long Swamp and is surrounded by a 600-acre nature preserve.

“We feel that it fits in beautifully in that all-natural area,” Carlson said.

Designed to provide psychological and social support to cancer patients and their families, the facility and its staff offer a free, professional program of education and hope.

The Bridge of Hope architectural feature was envisioned for the facility from the beginning of planning, Carlson said.

The arch is not only a traditional design element that signifies strength and permanence, according to a fact sheet supplied by Carlson, it also gives visitors an empowering sense of comfort from the structural pillars.

The arch extends from the north side, or entrance of the facility, and beyond the south building.

When visitors enter the building, they see the underside of the arch high above them. The arch clears a connecting courtyard, and then passes over the south building with its children’s area and community room. The room can be used for events, exercise classes and more.

The arch intentionally dominates the design of Cancer Support Community. The rest of the building was scaled down to be simple, welcoming and non-institutional.

The facility was also designed to take advantage of its surroundings. It is aligned on a precise east-west axis so that the sides of the building face north and south. The orientation takes best advantage of natural light, while minimizing heat gain.

In addition, the building extends into outdoor landscaped spaces that provide Tai Chi gardens, a dining terrace, healing gardens and the central courtyard.

Willis A. Smith Construction is also the contractor for the project, and is building it to qualify for the Gold level of LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, Carlson said.

Programming design began in 2006, with construction commencing in July 2009.

“The challenge of the building was to take all these diverse groups and put the ideas together in a cohesive whole,” Carlson said. “Everybody that has seen it has been inspired. We’ve received great feedback.”

Executive Director Jay Lockaby released a statement as to why a healing environmental matters to those living with cancer:

“Thanks to the generous donors to our Building Hope campaign, we will be able to provide free support for up to 6,000 cancer patients and their families annually in the finest healing environment anywhere — a facility that improves quality of life and may enhance recovery as well.

“Our referring physicians agree that effective treatment includes therapy and support outside the hospital and doctor’s office,” said Lockaby. “As the little non-profit that could, our goal is to create an atmosphere of physical and emotional comfort and to share our model with people around the world.”

For more information on Cancer Support Community, visit www.wellness-swfl.org.

James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee Editor, can be contacted at 745-7021.

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August 16, 2010 (Sarasota, FL)  Learning Gate Community School, a charter school in Hillsborough County with a curriculum that emphasizes nature, agriculture and environmental responsibility, became the first public school in the United States to earn LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  The project, 3 new buildings, consisting of 10 classrooms and an 8,000-square-foot addition to the middle school campus, was designed by Carlson Studio Architecture.

“Green schools – whether newly constructed or retrofitted existing buildings - make a tremendous impact on student health, test scores, teacher retention, school operational costs and the environment,” said Carlson Studio Architecture President Michael Carlson.

The LEED Platinum Certification was awarded on a number of sustainable design strategies and construction features that include:

The new buildings are constructed using prefabricated 6" wood stud modules for quick site assembly. Once placed on their elevated foundations the buildings were insulated with R-30 Soy-Based spray insulation, walls are finished with 95% recycled content gypsum board, and the floors with "Cradle to Cradle" carpet tiles made from soda bottles.

Large insulated north facing windows allow for natural light, while dimmable T-8 fluorescent fixtures will automatically adjust to add additional lighting. The classrooms also utilize a High Efficiency A/C system, which dehumidifies both the fresh air and return air, allowing for smaller sized cooling units.

Rainwater is harvested for the flushing of 1.2 gallon per flush toilets, which will eventually be integrated into an on site "living machine" waste treatment center.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the USGBC’s standardized 3rd party verification system, administered by the Green Building Certification Institute, for certifying the world’s greenest, energy efficient and high performance buildings.  

For more information about the project, visit www.CarlsonStudio.org/projects/---public/learning-gate/ or www.LearningGate.org/