South Farm Homes: Winner Best of the Best Award Project Designers Rolf Kielman, AIA and Lee Grutchfield, AIA at TruexCullins Home Studio and Reiss Building and Renovation

May 29, 2008, Burlington, Vermont - South Farm Homes, Hinesburg, Vermont received the Best of the Best Award at the Better Buildings by Design Conference sponsored by Efficiency Vermont earlier this year.  South Farm Homes is a collaborative project between project designers Rolf Kielman, AIA and Lee Grutchfield, AIA at TruexCullins Home Studio and Reiss Building and Renovation that focuses on sustainable design.  The TruexCullins Home Studio was commissioned by Reiss Building and Renovation to design six modestly sized homes that comprise the new green community in Hinesburg.  The 1,500sf-1,800sf homes are built into a south-facing slope, ideal for active and passive solar energy.  One of the principle goals of the project is to achieve net zero energy homes, such that the homes produce more energy than they each consume.

The first house completed this past year, is on the grid, but with the aid of roof mounted photovoltaics, well fed ground water heat pumps and high construction quality, is able to contribute more to the electricity grid than it uses.  Environmental features include active PV solar panels integrated right into the metal roofing of each home and significant southern glass, which provide solar gain and great views down the valley.  In addition, the thermal envelope of each home will reduce heating requirements significantly.  Blended into the hillside, the six homes each have their own individual charm, using quality materials with attention to details while also complementing each other.  These homes are also part of the Vermont Builds Greener program, a certification system that ensures the homes are healthy, energy efficient and incorporate other aspects of sustainable home construction.

TruexCullins, an award-winning architecture and interior design firm located on Burlington’s waterfront, has been doing business regionally, nationally and internationally since 1968.  With over 40 talented architects, interior designers and support staff, the firm offers the expertise of five design studios – Home, Resort, Workplace, Education and Interiors.  For more information contact Susan Weeks, Director of Marketing, or visit http://www.truexcullins.com.  
Photo: Courtesy TruexCullins Architects
 

SUSAN W. WEEKS, LEED AP, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
 
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