14 DAY TRIAL // Aiming at shattering the myth that high-level LEED homes are too expensive for one to build, American custom homebuilding company Greenbrook presents us with their latest project: a LEED Gold certified home at 6218 Liano in Dallas, Texas.
Built in Lakewood Heights, the home in question is not only energy and water efficient, but it is also a healthier place to live, according to the constructors. All this for under $1 million (about €745,000).
"By building homes that are achieving high-level LEED certifications in line with market comparables in the Dallas neighborhood of Lakewood Heights, we have shown that having a dark green home isn't just for the elite anymore," said owner Angela Branan.
"People think dark green construction can't be achieved at market cost," says Scott Branan, President of Greenbrook Homes. "But it can -- you just have to study how all the pieces fit together.”
“Our vendors have dubbed us the mad scientists of green building because we are achieving efficiencies that no one thought were possible with the materials that we are using,” he added.
The house has Water Sense plumbing fixtures and drought tolerant landscaping to reduce the amount of water used, as well as low or no VOC paints, stains, and other finish out materials meant to improve air quality inside.
"The air people breathe inside is so much more polluted than outside air due to the chemicals and VOCs in traditional homes, which leads to all sorts of medical problems. I have an eleven month old...this stuff matters," added Angela.
"We spend 90% of our time indoors, and where we live and work has a significant impact on our health and well-being," said Nate Kredich, Vice President, Residential Market Development, U.S. Green Building Council. "By achieving certification, 6218 Llano in Dallas is a home that a family will truly love to come home to, because it's a healthier, high-performing place to live."