Green Building - High Performance

High Performance Practices = Lasting Estates

The practice of high-performance building expands the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort to include a broader spectrum of criteria including its impact on the natural environment and human health. There are a vast array of tools, technologies & methods used to support the goals of high-performance building. Some of them are:

GENERAL METHODS

  • Custom Site Design
  • Use of Infill Lots
  • Minimal Site Disturbance
  • Construction Debris Recyling
  • Deconstruction & Reuse or Recycling

HEATING AND COOLING

AIR QUALITY

BUILDING MATERIALS

  • Composite Exterior Trim
  • Composite Decking
  • Fibercement Siding
  • Forest Stewardship (FSC) Certified wood materials
  • Reclaimed materials
  • Recycled materials
  • Recyclable materials
  • Zena Forest Products

FRAMING

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

  • Tight Buildings
  • Polar Blanket Insulation
  • Spray Foam Insulation
  • Sealed Ducts
  • Positive Pressurization
  • Energy Star appliances
  • Zonal Heating
  • Programmable Thermostats
  • Compact Fluorescent Lights
  • LED Lights
  • Automatic Closet & Pantry Switching
  • High-Efficiency Water Heating Systems
  • Maximizing natural lighting
  • Solar electric and hot water systems

WATER CONSERVATION

  • Conserving Toilets & Appliances
  • Graywater systems
  • Rainwater catchment systems
  • Bioswales
  • Permeable pavement and other technologies that allow water infiltration

Pursing Architectural Excellence in Green Building

We specialize in architecturally designed projects and place great value in understanding and implementing the latest business systems and building science.

Our extensive history with the advanced building practices listed above includes projects using Ferrocement, steel framing, Cobb, ICF construction and advanced wood framing techniques.  We also have experience with the construction of bioswales, rainwater catchment, gray water reclamation and irrigation systems.

Certified by both Energy Star and Earth Advantage, we continue to advance the field of green building with our high-performance structures.  Nineteen of our projects have been LEED, Earth Advantage and/or Energy Star Certified in the last five years.  Our comprehensive knowledge of livability and building technologies, both green and traditional, adds value to all of our projects.

“On-time and on-budget, with a caring, skilled and professional approach. Our experience was truly stress-free and exceeded all of our best expectations.”

Michelle B.
Amity, Oregon

About Winsome