With an eye on sustainability, what do you look for when selecting windows, siding and roof materials?
Building sustainably is made up of many small steps. Windows and doors should keep the conditioned air indoors and the weather outside. We look for U-factor and fenestration ratings to be close to best in class, and then we assess the sustainable materials from which they are built. All of these then need to be weighed against the actual performance of the product over the expected life of the home. Of course, the siding and roofing have the same priority factors.
With all the new products showing up on the market, it is important to be able to understand a product’s claims and, more importantly, its durability. We often end up passing over the newest products for truly environmentally responsible ones. Building sustainably results in a legacy home that will last for generations. —Raymond J. Gauthier, Lynbrook of Annapolis, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland
Architect: Steven Kahle Architects, Annapolis, Maryland.
Discuss the appeal of a beach-entry pool and the pros and cons of a saltwater pool.
Beach-entry pools serve many functions. For young families, having a shallow area for kids is nice. Beach-entry also allows bathers who want to lounge in shallow water to either sit right in the pool or bring in a chair and dangle their feet. In addition, features such as bubblers and jets can add interest to a beach-entry pool.
One of the greatest pros of a saltwater pool is what it does for your body. Swimmers with dry skin find a lot of relief in saltwater pools, which eliminate the hard effects of harsh chemicals in the water. However, salt water does cause certain types of metals and other materials to corrode faster. Typically, anything that is not stainless steel will have to be replaced sooner in a saltwater pool than a conventional one. The upfront costs can also be a deterrent. —James Londot, Vista Pro Landscape & Design, Davidsonville, Maryland
Describe the challenges and rewards of designing homes in the Chesapeake Bay region.
The superlative challenge is creating a unique piece of architecture that is site-specific. Each site is a microcosm of the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay: Earth, water, plants and all of life is there. Protecting this environment is an immensely challenging responsibility.
The rewards of the art of architecture are immeasurable and intoxicating. We get to explore the vast world of design with our clients; we indulge in the joy of invention every day. Together we get to create a unique place that balances the sublime power of nature with the comforting beauty of the home. —Chip Bohl, AIA, Bohl Architects, Annapolis, Maryland
Builder: Berliner Construction Company, Annapolis, Maryland.