Ecological. Economical. Ecodesigned. Ecobuilt.
A great design build project for a residential client with an accelerated schedule.
A panelized modular building system was used to create an air tight highly efficient building envelope.
EcoBuilders worked closely with a building-systems specialist to ensure optimal performance and proper functioning from the building. Particular care was taken to reduce the impact of moisture from the indoor pool.
The Emerson Resort and Spa is located in Mt. Tremper, New York. In 2013 Alfandre Architecture, EcoBuilders and CAMA Inc. were contracted to renovate and reconstruct the restaurant and spa.
Between 2014 and 2016 the focus of construction was on the restaurant, now named The Woodnotes Grille, and the spa. This work included sophisticated lighting and elegant details throughout that linked the two functions. In addition to these primary areas of work the team also updated the guest rooms, the interior and exterior of the Inn and added refreshing touches on the other buildings within the property.
Our work included the design and construction of various custom furniture elements and casework, and detail moldings throughout the Inn. Other notable projects, completed with the Emerson Team, include the new Laundry facility and restoration of the outdoor event Pavilion. Throughout the construction the resort remained open to the public.
This LEED Platinum building is unique in the region. The facility received LEED Platinum certification in 2015 and again in 2019 and is Net Zero Energy verified. It has been certified LEED Zero Energy and LEED Zero Water. It is one of only seventeen Net Zero Energy Buildings in New York State. This building has been featured in articles by USGBC and spotlighted in Green Building Illustrated by Francis D.K. Ching.
The solar panels on the southerly facing roofs are projected to produce approximately 98% of the building’s electricity use. The walls are made with insulated concrete forms (ICF), which provide high insulative value, minimal thermal bridging, and extremely airtight construction.
The roof is made with a structural insulated panel (SIP) system which provides an R-50 insulation as well as being air-tight. The windows are super-efficient R-7 windows. High efficiency light fixtures with automated controls, porous pavers in the parking lot, and a maximally efficient mechanical system are some of the additional high performance, green aspects of the new building.
Below is a time lapse video throughout the entire construction for the office building on 231 Main St. New Paltz, NY.
Certified Gold under the USGBC LEED for Homes program, this light and sun-filled single family residence exceeds current energy code requirements by more than 60%.
The house is oriented to provide the main living spaces with abundant light all year long. Deep overhangs are used to control solar gain in the summertime.
Equipped with a solar electric as well as a solar hot water system, energy costs are offset by approximately 50% per year. The house is maximally energy efficient, with insulation and air sealing of paramount concern. Fresh air is cycled through the house using a heat recovery ventilation system.
It is an elegant home situated in the woods and built with minimal site disturbance.
Designed by Alfandre Architecture and built by EcoBuilders, Inc. this high performance building is designed to be energy efficient while promoting the comfort and health of its occupants.
Sustainable planning strategies included the maximization of daylight through clerestory windows and the use of recycled content masonry, and a future photovoltaic array to supplement existing energy needs.
“We live in a beautiful house…it’s so well made. My brother-in-law, who is very hard to impress, is impressed! They just don’t build houses like this…we are so lucky to live here.”
– Client
The Story
Felicity and Elaine bought a lakeside property and began their search for a builder with design-build capability. After reviewing the EcoBuilders website and watching the Emerson case study video with Naomi and Emily they were sold; the next step was to make the phone call to Joe Buglino.
The goal of this new residential project was to build a highly energy efficient home on a lakeside property in Westchester County. The lot was tight and there were a significant number of building restrictions at the waters edge. EcoBuilders effectively determined the site placement, integrating the house and land it is sitting on and positioning it to efficiently take advantage of the maximum amount of solar energy while still enjoying the lake views.
There was no design for the house at the start of the project, so over coffee Joe and Felicity laid out a design plan. Joe and the engineer envisioned the plan and brought the project to life. As in any construction project there are unanticipated bumps along the way, and this building was no different. Although the construction budget remained on-track, there were design decisions made throughout the project that caused an increase in cost and a delayed the move-in date. It’s really all about how a company handles the challenges that crop up that counts. Joe’s project management and guidance made the owners feel like they were being taken well care of, and they are very happy with the house they have designed and built together.
A little about the efficiencies of the Lakeshore house. Eco Builders worked with a building systems specialist and together they were able to achieve a NET ZERO home that takes full advantage of the sun and the lake views. They implemented a panelized system for construction and worked with consultants to refine the building envelope, installing a high performance HVAC system. The photovoltaic system on the roof takes full advantage of the available solar energy. In May, Elaine said, “The solar panels are cranking and we produced more than we used for the last 2 months.”
Our clients have been very pleased with Joe’s patience, flexibility and ingenuity. “Joe was always very responsive … always got right back to us and has included us in all of the decisions. He has had a lot of good ideas.” “When gutter systems were discussed Joe suggested a rain chain; this is one of our favorite things outside the house.”
Joe has said a construction company is only as good as it’s contractors. Elaine added, “Our carpenter did an impeccable job. He is the real deal. The corners on the trim are finished so well you can’t see the seams.” Throughout the job we learned where the deficiencies existed and made adjustments as were necessary. And there were things we learned for future projects.
Now that our clients have lived in their home and experienced a winter we inquired about how things are going. They excitedly said, “We live in an amazing house … it is a great place to shelter at home.” “We are ecstatic with the end product.” “And by the way, most builders don’t follow-up when the job is done, we appreciate this call a lot.”
This building is an economical, well insulated Hudson Valley Residence.
This project was designed by Alfandre Architecture, and built by EcoBuilders, Inc.
Alfandre Architecture designed a new 26,000 square foot Friary for the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement in Putnam County, NY. The Friary consists of 20 private rooms, dining facilities, worship space, meeting and medical spaces. ICF (insulated concrete form) construction, triple glazed windows, energy efficient lighting and a geothermal heating system are some of the features of the new high-performance building.
The preservation and restoration of the Historic Friary and Saint Francis Chapel at Graymoor integrated our project goals with a sustainable vision to respect what has come before us while embracing the future.
During the first phase of the project, we created a building assessment to help understand what work was required in order to preserve and restore the Saint Francis Chapel and the Historic Graymoor Friary. Once the building assessment was completed, we helped prepare different shingle, paint and masonry options that were historically appropriate for the chapel. Afterwards, we provided bid drawings, documents and construction administration services until the project was completed.
EcoBuilders acted as the General Contractor on the roof renovation for the Historic Friary and St. Francis Chapel, managing and overseeing all of the work that went into restoring and preserving this beautiful structure.
We built a new pool house for an existing Alfandre designed residence. The pool house not only includes storage for the pool equipment, but also a new bathroom and small kitchen with bar seating at the beautiful infinity edge pool.
EcoBuilders Inc. worked on the renovations of the Rosendale Theatre located in Rosendale, NY. Designed by Alfandre Architecture, the goal of the project was to improve the façade and accessibility of the theatre while incorporating traditional building styles.
The existing exterior of the theatre has been renovated to enhance and further enliven the streetscape of Rosendale. A handicapped accessible entry was added along with repairs to the existing foundations and first floor structure.
We design and build our projects with Alfandre Architecture.