The Tour Project  

'Pushing the Envelope'

This project has been named “Pushing the Envelope”.  And indeed that is exactly what we did in more ways than one with this special whole-house remodel/new build.  Not only did we utilize cutting-edge new Green technologies and design strategies, but we also designed the home for the future both in terms of advancing energy concerns and in terms of our clients as they advance in years.  The homeowner’s wanted to create a special place that would carry them through out the balance of their journey.  This meant Not So Big® inspired design, Aging in Place® strategies, super energy-conserving construction, hyper efficient mechanical and plumbing system design, and the capacity for the home to generate its own power.  This home has “built in” resilience and independence for our clients against any possible future mobility issues- and the inevitable increase in energy prices once they enter the fixed-income stage of their lives.

Some of the advanced Green technologies incorporated include a unique building envelope design including spray-applied air barrier, insul/exsul thermal insulation system, thermal-flux modulating phase change material (Bio PCM®), geothermal heating and cooling with Rehau® Earth Tube augmentation, and DOW Powerhouse® building integrated photovoltaic.  And the best part, all of this was packaged in a lovely, architecturally sympathetic home that not only respected the vernacular style of the neighborhood, but indeed added to the charm, warmth and character its the lower Burns Park street scape.

This home is project number two, one of the total 11 stellar projects located in Ann Arbor that will be featured on this year's Tour of Remodeled Homes.   The BRAG Tour of Remodeled Homes is an annual fall event presenting the best in residential remodeling design and construction.  For additional information go to: www.bragannarbor.com/se_remodelers.cfm