michelle kaufmann designs

This is a recently constructed multifamily project form developers who get it. IBIS’s well-designed green project, called the Florence Lofts, definitely caught our attention and, since we believe in giving praise where praise is due, we thought we’d share this inspiring find with all of you. Constructed in Sebastopol, CA, it is LEED Certified in Gold and has lots of fantastic examples of our 5 EcoPrinciples in action. The site itself is an example of Smart Design because it’s within walking distance of downtown Sebastopol and adjacent to public transportation. The spaces also employ Smart Design because they feel so much larger than they are thanks to the use of high ceilings, an open floor plan, and well-placed glass.

The Florence Lofts development does a brilliant job of incorporating the Eco Materials principle, as well. Much of the construction waste was recycled back into the site as biodegradable mulch and soil amendments. The steel framing of the building walls use 80%± recycled steel, the concrete substitutes 15% to 50% fly-ash for cement, and the wood used in construction was all FSC certified. Inside the countertops use 100% recycled paper. The buildings are, of course, all designed for Energy Efficiency, with windows positioned to take advantage of solar gain in the winter, but be protected from it during the summer. Atop the roofs sits PV film, which produces the majority of the electricity consumed on site. The heating and cooling systems are also energy efficient.

With water so much on the minds of us drought stricken Californians, we are also delighted by all the design elements aimed at Water Conservation in the Lofts. There is a greywater system for recycling and recirculating bath and laundry water for outdoor irrigation, dual flush toilets throughout, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and low-maintenance landscaping. The Lofts also provide a Healthy Environment, as evidenced by the ample cross ventilation and natural sunlight as well as all the low- and no-VOC materials used.

Besides this plethora of sustainable design elements, what excites us about the Lofts is that they’re an outstanding example of developers creating more accessible green homes. Too many people think that green design is expensive, something reserved only for the wealthy. In the past, this was the case since there just wasn’t enough awareness among the general public to generate a demand great enough to bring prices down to obtainable levels. Fortunately, things have changed, and this project helps prove it. More and more people are demanding clean, green living spaces and the market is responding with more affordable options such as the Florence Lofts.

If you’re in the neighborhood, we recommend paying the project a visit . Directions are available on their website. It’s definitely wort the drive!