Virtual Tour of the Birch Haven LEED Platinum home

The Birch Haven Residence is on a small lake in Southwest Michigan and is designed with passive solar in mind that is a key to the energy conservation strategy but also creates a dynamic and interesting aesthetic feature. Designer Michael Carlson will take you on a live virtual tour of this LEED platinum certified home along with special guest interviews by the builder, Homes by True North and HVAC contractor Kauffman Electrical. We will cover topics such as deconstruction of existing site structures, sustainable sites, air source heat pumps, structurally insulated panels, solar power on homes and general LEED design strategies.

Lessons Learned

Understand how passive solar can increase LEED credits and affordably reduce energy
Know where to get more information about achieving LEED and green certifications
Be introduced to the concepts of a LEED Platinum home through actual and practical achievements
Articulate basic systems that could achieve zero energy capable performance in homes

Continuing Education Units (CEUS)

1 Hour in

State Architect / Builder License.
GBCI (LEED H Specific)
Certified Green Professional (NARI & NAHB)
AIA(HSW)
AIBD
Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)

Instructor: Michael Carlson

Michael has been practicing architecture in Florida since 1989 and founded Carlson Studio Architecture in 1997. His interest and study of sustainable design principles began in the early ‘80s as an architecture student at Ball State’s College of Architecture & Planning and The Center for Energy Research/Education/Service. He is a founding board member of the USGBC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and continues as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chapter. Carlson Studio Architectures has completed their first LEED home that was featured on as the 2009 HGTV GreenHome for that year. A Florida-based, full-service design firm that is committed to designing excellence, comprehensive project delivery and personal attention to each project. True North Homes is a Michigan-based building firm that takes a systems approach to construction, and Kauffman Electrical provides unique design services for achieving zero energy homes with efficient air to water source heat pumps and integrated solar systems.