Dana Wheelock
A ramped entry hall reconciles this apartment’s raised floor w…
RDG addressed indoor air quality, another of its chief concerns, by looking first to simple steps such as building a tight shell; sealing air vents, returns, and supplies during construction; and vacuuming the duct system before occupancy. “That comes with education and staying on our project managers and making sure our subs are properly [trained],” says Hill.
Other IAQ features include Honeywell fresh-air ventilators, MERV-13 filters, CARB-compliant MDF, and Sherwin-Williams low-VOC paint.
But even with efficiency, health, and comfort top-of-mind, the homes do boast an array of additional resource-saving specs. The company chose bamboo flooring for the living spaces, including on the numerous stairs to eliminate cumbersome and dust-generating vacuuming, and Green Label–certified Shaw carpet for the bedrooms. Bathrooms feature WaterSense-certified Sterling dual-flush toilets and Danze low-flow faucets.
Outside, shared driveways on the front side reduce paved space to lessen stormwater runoff; this move also prevents residents from parking cars there, preserving the exterior aesthetic and ensuring sidewalks aren’t blocked. RDG integrated native plants and reduced the amount of sod around the front and side of the units to eliminate the need for additional mechanical irrigation.
Each roof deck is outfitted with water and gas for homeowners to add an outdoor kitchen if desired. They feature a white TPO membrane from Versico to reflect radiant heat and about 200 square feet of Trex composite decking.
AJ Mast, Aurora Select
Micah Hill, Manager of Operations
To keep prices near market rate in an area where green building isn’t in high demand yet, Redevelopment Group opted against pricier options like photovoltaics. Those decisions, combined with thoughtful details and styling, a close-in location, and a promise of efficiency paid off for the builder: five of the six homes have sold, including three prior to completion.
In addition to keeping costs down, RDG promotes green building principles by showing the client the benefits of essential expenses, such as added insulation. The builder’s design/build approach creates a natural discussion with the buyer about the motivation behind unfamiliar design and product choices, thereby allowing RDG to show clients the advantages of each feature.
That education falls right in line with Redevelopment Group’s commitment to this Indianapolis community, where for the past decade the company has been converting abandoned buildings and lots into housing, helping to improve livability and boost existing-home values. “We’ve tried to be an asset to the people in the neighborhood,” Hill notes.
PROFILE: Micah Hill, Manager of Operations
Like many contractors, Micah Hill’s
building bug began early: as a kid, helping his dad work on their house.
Part-time jobs in roofing and framing plus forays into architecture and
drafting followed. But it was becoming a homeowner himself that turned
Hill into a self-described “building science nerd,” fascinated with how
houses work and how they truly can impact the health and comfort of
their residents.
The
1890s bungalow he purchased was riddled with problems, from an
uninsulated crawlspace to inefficient windows. As Hill explored the
reasons for the home’s inefficiency and learned more about the American
Lung Association’s Health House recommendations, the knowledge—and the
desire to apply that knowledge—came to a head. “This is really
interesting stuff,” he recalls thinking. “And it makes sense.”
The builder says that drive to learn about and improve indoor
air quality became even more personal a few months later, when his new
wife moved in and developed allergies.
As he remodeled the house into a comfortable, efficient,
family-friendly home, Hill became a faithful reader of building science
blogs and newsletters. Today he continues to seek out best practices to
ensure his company’s projects also are performing at their highest,
healthiest levels. “Information and education really empower you to make
the correct calls in the field.” — K.T.
