There is logic among us. Logic can be found in scientific claims, mathematical equations, opinions, in time and space. Logic is built on reason and principle and facts. So, why should our buildings be built without logic? Lillian Maurer, accomplished designer and artist, and master carpenter Patrick Murphy, believe that they should. In 2011, the two teamed up in their endeavors to bring beauty, renewable energy and comfort into every home. And the end result? A beautiful home built to be clean, energy efficient and comfortable, without breaking the bank. Now that's logic. Using principles that coincide with Passive House and sustainable living, BuildingLogic Inc. works with a unique building concept that ranks quality over a passing grade.
To build to code or above code? That is the question. If you've ever watched HGTV, you've heard the question "does it pass code?" before. Constructing a house to fit code requirements is a basic safety standard that must be met, however; it is merely a passing grade in the architectural and construction world. Lillian started her design work converting spaces like barns and warehouses into loft renovations, but with time realized that passing code was just not up to her standards. She further explains that "A passing grade is really a D minus... and I knew at the time, I can do better than this." After lengthy research, coursework and the attendance of several conventions, Lillian found that homes built with greater insulation (the foundation of Passive House) can be incredibly energy efficient, sanitary and sustainable. The catch? There isn't one. While resistance from previous team members to added steps in the building process ensued, Patrick saw value in Lillian's noteworthy endeavors, and a partnership formed.
Improve air quality, improve life. Have you ever found yourself walking into a home that smells like leftovers of a not-so-recent meal? How about that telltale smell of wet dog, cat litter or moth balls? Imagine a residence unaffected by the remnants of it's inhabitants; a home that smells as crisp and fresh as the outdoor air quality is. In today's world, it's not uncommon to catch the common cold, suffer through allergies or have asthma, so for many, air quality control is especially important. Most homes 'breathe' through leaks and cracks in the walls, floors and roof as Lillian explains, this can lead to conditions that invite "mold and moisture to come into your home." It's also a quick way to up the electric, heat and air conditioning bill. Building a highly insulated, air-tight space seems like it would naturally constrict the air that surrounds you, but BuildingLogic Inc. focuses on the house's ability to 'breathe' in a different way; using a Heat Recovery Ventilator system. With the installation of a Heat Recovery Ventilator, or HRV, the air flow and quality is controlled through units that intentionally bring in filtered air and expel stale air. She goes on to explain further that the core of the system recaptures heat and cold throughout the seasons, so that the homeowner doesn't lose precious air conditioning or heat; and more importantly, can breathe healthy and happy. Genius.
Sustainable, Clean, Energy Efficient. When we think of energy efficiency for housing, it's often an afterthought to the house being built; things like solar power, water-efficient products and recycling come to mind. As part of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, BuildingLogic uses energy efficient practices, such as Passive House, as a key model for every project before it's built. As shown in the picture above, Patrick emphasizes that "all of the scrap for this job has been placed in the homeowner's wood burning bin... there's a use for everything, and I'm extremely diligent about making sure everything [gets put to use]" and with 30 years of experience as a carpenter under his belt, it's something that he's mastered. It seems that the team even applies this concept to their free time by attending conferences and trainings that increase their knowledge and benefit their business. By building homes to surpass building code standards, this dynamic duo puts focus on people, planet and project, and Lillian highlights that "it's not just about making money, it's about helping our employees and our customers live well and earning a living by doing right by the planet." And I think that's logic we can all get behind.
To learn more about BuildingLogic Inc. and what they do, visit their website at www.buildinglogicinc.com.
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Article and Pictures by:
Lucia Civile
LACE Photo Media