The new home, an EarthCraft House certified project designed by Mike Tucker of Sweetbriar Architects Atlanta and built by Mike LaBelle of AFG Builders is another example of “mainstream green” techniques. Employing advanced techniques such as a pre-cast foundation, High Performance Insulation and Air Sealing, Advanced Structural Framing, High Performance HVAC, among others, demonstrates to the average builder how any project can be truly “green” while meeting the average home owner's needs. This project will be a pilot project for the Building America/NAHB research project targeting 40-70% reduction in energy usage and will be the subject of a case study and articles when complete.

EarthCraft Renovation by SawHorse

The renovation project by SawHorse, Inc, the renovation division of The Hoots Group, will be an EarthCraft certified renovation. This addition and renovation to a historic residence in the Druid Hills neighborhood, designed by Surber Barber Choate and Hertlein Architects, will push the limits of high performance residential renovation.

Showcase House Coordinator

Carl Seville of Seville Consulting returns again to his role as the project coordinator for the showcase homes.  Seville originated the concept of the Southern Building Showcase homes in 2005, and has been involved every year as either the builder or project coordinator. 

For almost 30 years, Southface Energy Institute has worked to teach homeowners, home builders and commercial design and construction professionals ways to save energy and water, and preserve our environment. Among the many initiatives that accomplish that mission, the EarthCraft House program is one of the brightest achievements.

As a partnership between Southface and the Greater Atlanta HBA, with support from government agencies, manufacturing and private industry stakeholders and nonprofit groups, EarthCraft has received broad national attention. The program serves as a blueprint for healthy, comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment. Well respected as a technically sound, voluntary green building program, EarthCraft House allows home builders to raise the bar in quality growth management and environmental stewardship.

To date, more than 5,000 EarthCraft homes have been certified. This success inspired the development of renovation, multifamily and community program guidelines. Affordable housing developers have come on board, seeing great benefits in providing homes that are affordable to buy, durable and inexpensive to operate.

Recent initiatives for such environmentally responsible housing are being supported by the Enterprise Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation.

Southface is extremely proud of the many awards EarthCraft House and its builders have received.