SHOWCASE Architects & Developers, a leading architectural firm based on the East Coast is proud to announce the Mid-Atlantic regions first "Green Estate" project. As recently reported by Washington, DC affiliates of ABC & NBC television, The ECO ESTATE @ BRIGGS CHANEY has been acclaimed as the Metropolitan Areas first residential development employing use of Energy Efficient and Environmentally friendly materials. The objective of this project is to build with-in the natural habitat, minimally impacting the environment through use of sustainable design, construction techniques, and raise awareness of "getting off the grid"!! The development of the ECO-ESTATE @ BRIGGS CHANEY coupled with the opening of the ECO WORX showroom in the heart of Montgomery County studio / showroom will focus on use of green building products, sustainable design and environmentally friendly construction materials and construction methods. The ECO-ESTATE @ BRIGGS CHANEY The preservation of natural habitat and reducing land fill impact are two key tenants to SHOWCASE and its unique design-develop-build approach. As part of the Eco-Estate development the challenge of salvaging and recycling to reduce land fill impact were recognized by structurally relocating an existing 1940's built Cape Cod to the back of the model home lot [instead of razing the home as developers typically do in preparation of new construction]. In efforts of "keeping it green" 92% of the natural habitat is unaffected. We will use enhanced methods to protect the water quality and natural environment along with innovative storm water management techniques. These are some of our ideas Geo-thermal heating and cooling systems (helps reduce impact on fossil fuels), Green Roof system [for storm water management] Structurally Insulated Panels [SIP's gives a tight envelop to increase energy efficiency] Passive / Solar Design Energy saver appliances and fixtures Reuse & recycle-existing components Geothermal Heat Pumps The geothermal heat pump, also known as the ground source heat pump, is a highly efficient renewable energy technology that is gaining wide acceptance for both residential and commercial buildings. Geothermal heat pumps are used for space heating and cooling, as well as water heating. Its great advantage is that it works by concentrating naturally existing heat, rather than by producing heat through combustion of fossil fuels. The technology relies on the fact that the Earth (beneath the surface) remains at a relatively constant temperature throughout the year, warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler in the summer, very much like a cave. The geothermal heat pump takes advantage of this by transferring heat stored in the Earth or in ground water into a building during the winter, and transferring it out of the building and back into the ground during the summer. The ground, in other words, acts as a heat source in winter and a heat sink in summer. Structural Insulated Panels Structural insulated panels (or structural insulating panels), SIPs, are a composite building material. They consist of a sandwich of two layers of structural board with an insulating layer of foam in between. The board is usually oriented strand board (OSB) and the foam either expanded polystyrene foam (EPS), extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) or polyurethane foam. SIP PANEL BUILDING ARE 66% MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THAN STANDARD FRAME CONSTRUCTION 2 ½ TIMES STRONGER THAN STANDARD BUILDING MATERIAL CUTS FRAMING TIME BY 2/3RD STRONGER AND STRAIGHTER BETTER BUILDING SYSTEMS Green Roof A green roof system is an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellant system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants. Its primary purpose is for storm water management thereby reducing soil erosion. Green roof systems may be modular, with drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable, interlocking grids, or, each component of the system may be installed separately. Green roof development involves the creation of "contained" green space on top of a human-made structure. This green space could be below, at or above grade, but in all cases the plants are not planted in the "ground'. Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits. It helps control excessive storm water which could erode soil and landscape. Principal Green Roof Technology Components Source: National Research Council, Institute for Research in Construction SHOWCASE Architects & Developers, is a full service architectural, development and design firm. With staff architects, designers and engineers Showcase is looking for its next innovative concept!?! Will you be the lucky client? Contact SHOWCASE. Thanks.