Can a 100-Year-Old Home Become Green?

Although the "greening" of an existing house has unique challenges not faced by those who have chosen sustainable new construction, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) believes it is possible to create an energy and resource efficient home and site after undergoing a "gut" rehabilitation.

The "gut" rehab of the 100-year-old Dutch Colonial in Cornwall-on-Hudson was designed and completed by Aryeh Siegel Architect, of Beacon, New York. The construction manager was Noah Matalon of Radiant Consulting, Garrison, New York. The Landscape Architect & Environmental Planner for the project was Dirk Sabin of Marbledale, Connecticut.

In addition, the heating & cooling system assessment and installation were performed by Keith Monthie of AccuAire of Poughkeepsie, New York. The Radon Residential Mitigation Provider was David Barber of Acceptable Environment in Newburgh, New York. As well, the energy efficient lighting design was created by Christopher Ventresca, LEED AP, of Manhattan, New York, a Principal of interior design firm Ventresca Design.

The residence is currently part of the USGBC's Pilot program for "Gut" Rehab Projects and is being evaluated for a LEED designation, with the likelihood of being the first "gut" rehab project in New York State to be awarded "Gold Certification." The dwelling has already qualified for the Home Energy Star designation.

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