The website EcoHomes ran a story this week on panelized concrete homes designed by Sarasota, Florida-based architect Jonathan Parks AIA, and how he has quietly been incorporating green features into the homes. The article noted that one house is oriented to capture and control as much daylight as possible to minimize the need for artificial lighting. Well-placed exterior overhangs, a large live oak tree, light-colored galvanized metal roofing, and low-E windows help reduce unwanted heat gain from the sun. The concrete panels are used to help the homes withstand hurricanes. A house in coastal Florida is virtually commercial construction and therefore “is more like a bank in New York State due to our more substantial codes,” Parks told the reporter.
