Noteworthy "Green Home" Under Construction in Winter Haven, Florida

Winter Haven, Florida is poised to have its first certified "green" home. Residents Carl & Sheryll Strang enlisted their architect son, Max, of Max Strang Architecture to design an environmentally-friendly lakefront residence. Construction commenced in February and the home should be complete by the end of the year. This is the first home in Winter Haven to be registered with the US Green Building Council for a LEED certification. LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national certification and rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

Winter Haven, FL (PRWEB) May 28, 2009 -- Winter Haven, Florida is poised to have its first certified "green" home. Residents Carl & Sheryll Strang enlisted their architect son, Max, of Max Strang Architecture to design an environmentally-friendly lakefront residence. Construction commenced in February and the home should be complete by the end of the year. This is the first home in Winter Haven to be registered with the US Green Building Council for a LEED certification. LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national certification and rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

The Strang Residence uses readily available technologies such as "peel & stick" solar photovoltaic panels and a geothermal air-conditioning system to substantially reduce operating costs. Revolutionary insulation techniques and water heating systems also reduce the home's energy needs. The modern aesthetic points to Max Strang's architectural heritage. He was raised in a "mid-century modern" home designed by the prominent Florida architect, Gene Leedy, also from Winter Haven.

'It's exciting to help introduce sustainable design to my hometown," says Max Strang. "We all must re-examine our lifestyles and the way we use energy. It starts at home." The 5kW solar photovoltaic system will be installed featuring durable thin-film stick-on energy collecting panels. System design and installation coordination will be conducted by QuickBeam Energy, a Winter Haven, Florida based solar PV residential and commercial system designer. A water heating solar system installation is also planned, maximizing the sun's energy for the home.

Carl & Sheryll Strang selected Alan Ulch Inc., a local general contractor, to build the home. The selection was based as much on their solid reputation as well as their eagerness to delve into "green" building. The contractor states, "We have utilized and promoted the use of energy efficient products for many years such as: the use of solar energy, energy efficient windows and doors, low voltage lighting, energy star appliances, reflective roof systems and spray foam insulation. Being a part of the LEED certification process will enable our company to take the next step in reducing the carbon footprint of the housing industry."

Strang Residence - Green Features:

- Low VOC paints

- Low- E-glass

- Concrete with recycled fly ash

- Exposed fly ash concrete floors to reduce material use

- Permeable concrete driveway

- Solar Hot water Panels for domestic water and pool heating

- 5k Photovoltaic (PV) systems

- No landscape irrigation

- Geothermal Air-Conditioning System

- Native Landscaping

- Central Vacuum and built in exterior floor mats for indoor air quality

- Large overhangs for shading windows and house exterior envelope

- High efficient fixtures and dual flush toilets

- Sealed attic space to reduce cooling area and sprayed foam insulation on underside of roof

- FSC certified wood interior doors

- Energy efficient interior lighting

- Electric Vehicle Ready.

About Max Strang Architecture

Max Strang Architecture is a Miami-based firm known for its award-winning designs that emphasize sustainability. Founded by Max Strang in 2000, the firm rapidly made a name for itself with internationally recognized work for both residential and commercial clients. Mr. Strang was born and raised in Winter Haven, FL and received architectural degrees from the University of Florida and Columbia University. Prior to launching his own firm, he worked for Gene Leedy Architect, Zaha Hadid and SHoP Architects.

www.strangarchitecture.com

305-373-4990

About QuickBeam Energy

Winter Haven, Florida based QuickBeam Energy LLC designs and oversees installation of solar power systems. The company works with architectural engineering firms, electrical contractors and owners of commercial and residential properties throughout Florida to design and install customized photovoltaic (PV) systems that will reduce energy costs, increase property values, and benefit the environment. To learn more about QuickBeam Energy, call (863) 401-2725 or visit www.quickbeamenergy.com.

About Alan Ulch Inc.

Alan Ulch, Inc. was established and incorporated September 1, 1971, and has been providing general contracting services in Florida for 35 years. The company's experience includes commercial and residential construction using a traditional approach. They have designed and built projects working directly with owners and architects to save time, reduce unnecessary costs and improve quality on construction projects during the concept and design phase.

www.alanulch.com.

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