DesertSol at Solar Decathlon

UNLV students have done an impressive job with their DesertSol house at this year's Solar Decathlon.  They are currently standing at second place, which is an outstanding accomplishment for the first year's entry for UNLV.  If you agree, give them a vote--or more--for the People's Choice award.  Voting is through this Thursday at 11AM at the Solardecathlon.gov site.

See all of the entries through next weekend, October 13 at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, California or at the website.

The Solar Decathlon is a bienneal program hosted since 2002 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that, per the DOE, "challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive."
Read more here...

I traveled out to see the homes first-hand and was invigorated by the enthusiasm and innovation--inspiring!  Check back soon to see photos from the trip.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie TI

Congratulations to Lisa Yao and the Fresh Fruit Smoothie restaurant opening!  We wish her much success!  Find them on Yelp* and treat yourself a fresh delicious smoothie--no powders used here.

This approximately 770 SF tenant improvement includes multiple food preparation areas, employee break area, restroom and custom shelving.  Our services included design, as-built drawings, and strategic code analysis.

USGBC Electrical Energy Seminar

Public event tonight - Wednesday May 22

USGBC is hosting a presentation and discussion about our Southern Nevada sources of electrical power, options for alternative energy and how to more effectively use the energy that we have.  Discussion panel includes experts in the field, representatives from NV Energy's RenewableGenerations program, and an expert on residential remodeling for energy efficiency.

See more details, and list of presentors, at the USGBC website.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013
5:30pm-7:00pm
NV Energy- Wengert Room
6226 W. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89151

Ribbon Cutting with Henderson Chamber

Join us Wednesday, May 22 from 2:30pm - 4:00pm as the Henderson Chamber of Commerce holds a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate our new office space.  As proud to be members of this active and community-focused organization, we're excited to grow our business in 2013!

We'll be hosting an Open House following the ceremony.  Light refreshments will be served in the conference room.

Our office is on the south side of Warm Springs Road between Stephanie and Arroyo Grande at 1489 W. Warm Springs Road, Suite 110,  Henderson NV 89014.

Click here for a map and directions.

Anne Johnson, AIA is an architecture and graphics studio focused on integrating sustainable practices into civic, commercial, interiors, residential, and graphic projects. Services include design and LEED consulting.  Our Las Vegas office has been in operation since 2004, and we've proudly called Henderson home since 2009.

The Face of Climate Change

Our contribution for the 2013 Earth Day - Face of Climate Change mosaic.  See more images at the Earth Day Network website.

This spring is the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day.  We're excited to participate in many ways.  For an astonishing glimpse of how our whole world is spreading the word about Earth Day, explore Earth Day Network's The Face of Climate Change campaign. You can also add your own image to the mosaic.  

Our pledge every day is to cost-efficiently integrate green into our work for you, and review sustainable practices in our own office.  

Quick Links:

• Earth Day Network

• EPA Pick5

Pick 5 is the U.S. government's official web portal to add up environmental action taken by individuals worldwide.

The photo above is the outcome of a quick office brainstorming session.  We discussed the impact that we see in our local world from climate change and what actions we're taking.

Impacts: more heat-longer summers, shorter winter, lake mead drought, emissions restrictions, dust storms, higher grocery prices, gas price fluctuation.*

Actions: carpooling, recycling & reusing, using washable dishes, printing on both sides of paper, e-filing documents, bicycling, using daylighting, designing energy efficient buildings.

* It can be argued that some of these items also have other causes.

Urban Micro-Housing: A Path to Sustainable Livability

City of New York/Public Domain

City of New York/Public Domain

As populations worldwide become more urbanized, development of micro-housing that is both livable and sustainable for city dwellers, who tend to be single or couples, is more critical. Action based on New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg’s awareness of this reality resulted in an impressive outcome as briefly excerpted below from the press release.

"adAPT NYC is a pilot program that was launched in July 2012 through a Request for Proposals to develop a new model of housing – micro-units. The proposals were evaluated on several criteria, including innovative micro-unit layout and building design. The ‘My Micro NY’ proposal excelled in this category, with features like generous 9’-10” floor-to-ceiling heights and Juliette balconies that provide substantial access to light and air. The micro-units developed as part of this pilot will measure between 250 and 370 square feet."

The unit is innovative both for its conscious use of space and the method of local pre-fabrication.  Some features we champion are the overall small footprint, tiered setbacks with balconies, daylighting, and common areas for meeting and entertaining.   From a building regulation standpoint, the micro-units will require revising 1987 zoning requirements that new apartments in the New York City measure at least 400 square feet.  See the winning unit and other proposals on Treehugger.com.

We’re inspired by this project and envision developments that utilize strategies such as rainwater catchment for the rooftop gardens, alternative energy beginning with passive solar, incorporation of immediate neighborhood shops and grocery, provision of spaces for children and elderly, inclusion of outdoor meeting areas, as well as connection to private and public green spaces.

Consider the following quote from Julia Campoli’s excellent book Made for Walking.  "Neighborhood parks are essential, but greater density demands more than that. It requires many varied, high-quality green spaces – large and small, formal and wild, for active recreation and solitude – that form a network across the metropolis and to wilderness areas beyond." 

Planning, designing, and actualizing micro-housing with respect for the whole person’s needs, as well as responsible resource management, will result in a sustainable, livable environment.

Read more...

• These urban pressures on space are also being responded to on the west coast in the San Francisco Bay area and internationally.   
• Explore how one urban dweller makes her small space work in NYC.

Professional Services

Feasibility Study: Evaluation of existing conditions and proposed project concluding with a report of anticipated scope, cost and schedule. May include possibility of multiple phases of construction, resource use and lifecycle analysis.  Read more here...

Design Package: Developed design plans with outline specification of materials and solutions for electrical/mechanical/ plumbing needs; construction details as necessary; permit requirements addressed.

In-Depth Programming & Energy Need Analysis: Determine types and sizes of spaces required, including options for phased growth and community interface; calculate energy loads.

Accessibility Consulting: Site and building reviews for accessibility, including 2010 ADA accessibility standards, building code, grading and drainage, and feasibility analysis for mitigation.  Read more here...  

Fundraising Package: Create preliminary concept drawings, image and text for your website and any printed materials.

LEED Certification: Registration of project and management of USGBC requirements for certification.

Graphic Design & Illustration: Business identity packages, logos, promotional materials, presentation layouts, and renderings.

Green Chips Names Rick Van Diepen Executive Director

Kudos to local architect Rick Van Diepen who is putting his passion for sustainability to work as the new Executive Director of Green Chips, a leading, Southern Nevada, nonprofit organization.  This regional, public-private catalyst and advocacy organization is dedicated to creating a more livable, equitable and sustainable environment for the residents, businesses, and visitors of Southern Nevada.  We are proud to be associated with Green Chips as a member.

Winchester Dance Studio Now Open

We celebrate the Dance Studio opening at the Winchester Cultural Center and wish the local community many happy years of dance and recreation use!

Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani joined community members, Friends of Winchester, Clark County staff and the Winchester Star Catchers for a dedication program on January 25, 2013.

Read more about the Winchester project...

Photos from that event and the project follow:

Winchester Star Catchers

Architectural photography by Henri Sagalow Photography

Exteriors from Parking & Park

Dance Studio Interiors

Shelving & Display Detail

Dance Studio Interiors

Alcove Storage