Photo Gallery - Victoria Garden Mews LLC - VGM - Santa Barbara - American Institute of Architects

On April 8, 2010, Victoria Garden Mews LLC (VGM LLC), staged an educational workshop for the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The event was led by Dennis Allen, President, Allen Associates, a representative from ThompsonNaylor Architects, Bryan Henson, General Manager, Allen Associates and was supported by Zac Shore, Project Manager, VGM LLC.

Program Summary:

Thompson Naylor Architects and Allen Associates have partnered to create the Victoria Garden Mews project. Together with their client, this project team has set a goal of making the final product as green as possible.

This “behind the walls” session offered attendees to the design strategies, building techniques and green products that are contributing on this project. This project has registered with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes program and has as a goal to pursue and secure Platinum level with 120 points out of a total of 136 possible points. Upon completion and certification, VGM LLC may become one of the greenest residential developments in the country.

Project Features:

A MODEL INFILL PROJECT IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA WITHIN ¼ MILE OF 23 BASIC COMMUNITY SERVICES
90% REDUCTION OF ENERGY USE OVER CURRENT ENERGY CODE (TITLE 24)
100% OF ELECTRICITY PRODUCED BY AN ON-SITE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
WATER USAGE CUT BY 40%
HYDRAULIC CAR LIFTS TO REDUCE SPACE FOR PARKING BY HALF
ALL LUMBER FROM SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED FORESTS (FSC LUMBER)
LOW-EMITTING MATERIALS, INCLUDING: ADHESIVES, SEALANTS, PAINTS, COATINGS, AND CARPET SYSTEMS

Program Learning Objectives:

Understand the value of forming your project team (owner, architect, builder, landscape architect, engineer, etc.) early to identify green building goals and strategies that will help your project achieve the greatest sustainable design.
Learn components of a high performance, durable envelope system that will optimize energy efficiency, thermal resistance, vapor permeability and moisture management for your project.
Learn how to design an energy efficient project to increase comfort and reduce heating and cooling loads using energy modeling techniques.
Understand the value of water efficiency, retention and storage in both the building and landscape design.

Highlighted VGM LLC Sponsors:

Green manufacturers and distributors that are sponsors of the VGM LLC project and had its products highlighted in the program included: ACT Metlund® D’MAND® Systems, American Clay, AQUEL, Inc., Caroma, Dupont™ Tyvek®, Expo Stucco, Ferguson, Hayward, Icynene®, JELD-WEN, LightGreen Inc., Masco Corporation, Miele, ORCO Block, Panasonic, Premier Building Systems, Rainwater Pillow, Rinnai, Rmax Inc., Santa Barbara Surfacing, Serious Windows, Stock Building Supply, Trestlewood, Vulcan Materials, and Weatherization Partners.

Speakers:

ThompsonNaylor Architects – Representative from ThompsonNaylor spoke at this event. Dennis Thompson has been involved in solar design and green building since the 1970’s. He and his partner, Susette Naylor, operate Thompson-Naylor Architects, an award-winning firm that practices, "Socially and Environmentally Responsible Architecture and Planning." They have designed many sustainably-oriented residential and institutional projects, and in 2001, they received the “Green Award” as an exemplary environmental business. Dennis has served on County Board of Architectural Review, the Board of Directors of the Community Environmental Council, and The Sustainability Project, and he was founding president of the Green Building Alliance. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and has taught and lectured extensively on design, sustainability and green building.

Dennis Allen, President of Allen Associates, began his career in building over 35 years ago because of a passionate interest in solar energy and a desire to use resources more sensibly. Since then, he has become a nationally recognized authority on environmentally friendly building practices. For more than 20 years, he has taught courses on sustainable design and construction through the University of California Extension Program and at the Santa Barbara Community College Adult Education Program. His commentaries on sustainable solutions to environmental and social problems have been published locally, regionally, and nationally. Dennis is also a LEED Accredited Professional.

Bryan Henson, currently General Manger, joined Allen Associates, the leading green building contractor in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, in 2006. He brings extensive experience in construction, project management and environmental systems. Bryan completed his Masters Degree at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at UCSB and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Bryan’s goal is to combine his experience as a builder with his understanding of environmental systems to build beautiful, healthy, and environmentally sensitive homes.

For more information about the Victoria Garden Mews LLC project, please contact Bryan Henson, General Manger, Allen Associates at (805) 884-8777, ext. 215 or bhenson@dallenassoc.com.