NASSAU, Bahamas – Breaking ground this month, the ocean-front custom residence on Chub Cay will ultimately cast an eco-iconic profile against the Bahaman sky, armed with the latest renewable energy technologies to make its owners energy-independent with nearly zero carbon emissions.
Designed by Affiniti Architects of Boca Raton, Fl in cooperation with Bahamian builder MaycoRDR Construction, the house embodies the type of sustainable green design principles that eco-conscious home owners are looking for, addressing the needs of Bahamians to decrease their dependence on oil. (Like the U.S. today, the Bahamas uses fossil fuel for 99% of its energy needs.)
Demonstrating that a “green home” does not have to be a stark modern design, this 3000 SF home conveys the breezy casual architecture of the islands without bending to technology, but blending it seamlessly into its lines. With its array of 4 vertical Tangarie Alternative Power wind turbines and another 3 KW of flexible solar panels, this Chub Cay residence generates electricity silently even with gusts as small as 4 mph.
Other environmentally conscious features of the home include:
– Metal roofing, reducing cooling energy costs
– Use of other passive design techniques via large overhangs and porches, shielding the home from the elements
– Sustainable cypress wood ceilings
– Tankless propane water heater, producing lower carbon emissions and heating more efficiently than electric water heaters.
– Walkways and driveway constructed from EnviroSeal product, blended with native Bahamian stone, decreasing construction costs
– Non-allergic building products
– Use of natural resources in the traditional clapboard siding
– Recycled cement board replaces the usual use of mold-prone drywall
– Extensive use of glazed R5 windows throughout, providing both natural day lighting and inspiring island views
First Solar and Wind Powered House Breaks Ground in Chub Cay;
Living Large with a Small Carbon Footprint
Recognizing the need for hurricane-proofing the home, a Gaia Power Tower, including two battery backups, guarantees power through load surges and power outages. Further, the metal roof is designed to withstand 160 mph winds and the double-impact German-made windows and doors are rated to 187 mph.
“When the Walkers commissioned us to design their home, we saw this as an opportunity to show that low impact living is not only achievable, but can be accomplished without sacrificing the design style of the island. Further, we’ve re-captured the native energies- wind and solar- for home owner re-use to save costs and lower fossil fuel use”, said Ron Rickert, AIA, Partner and Caribbean Director for Affiniti Architects.
Specializing in luxury resort, communities and multi and single-family residences, Affiniti Architects has completed several projects in Florida, North Carolina, the Caribbean, Central America and more recently, Dubai. The company has earned more than 350 national and regional design awards for residential architecture, including two LEED Gold homes in Florida. For more information, visit www.affinitiarchitects.com.
