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Basic Level |
60min Webinar | 2-3 Hours |
This course gives a detailed tour of a low energy consumption, sustainable building, specifically designed to the ecological and climatic realities of West Michigan
Course Overview
Tom Newhouse and his wife Jill designed and personally built their unconventional Grand Rapids, Michigan home and industrial design studio in 1978. Their goal was to "live softly on the earth"....in a passive solar, earth integrated residence with a green roof, and an integral "atelier" (industrial design studio and workshop).
The course will be a detailed tour of this low energy consumption, sustainable building, specifically designed to the ecological and climatic realities of West Michigan, at 42 degrees North latitude. After almost 40 years living in this unique structure, Tom will relate the joys and challenges of living in such an unconventional structure.
Instructor
Thomas J. Newhouse BSD, IDSA
Tom Newhouse and his wife Jill designed and personally built their unconventional Grand Rapids, Michigan home and industrial design studio in 1978 that won a national design award from the U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development and Environmental Protection Agency . Their goal was to "live softly on the earth"....in a passive solar, earth integrated residence with a green roof, and an integral "atelier" (industrial design studio and workshop).
The course will be a detailed tour of this low energy consumption, sustainable building, specifically designed to the ecological and climatic realities of West Michigan, at 42 degrees North latitude. After almost 40 years living in this unique structure, Tom will relate the joys, challenges and energy savings of living in such an unconventional structure.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course you will be able to:
- Describe the unique ecological and welfare aspects of living and working in a passive solar, earth integrated, green roof building
- list the health advantages of a housing site which is xeriscaped (has no conventional grass lawn)
- Explain where to find out more about wildlife friendly general landscaping, and the unique green roof, which is a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat
- List the safety aspects of living in an earth sheltered building, in a tornado and severe thunderstorm prone region of the country.
Credit Values
Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) 1 hour in:
- Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
- American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
- Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
- Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)
- American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)
- May be applicable to your state-based design or contractor license