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Leawood house honored for sustainable design

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The Williams York residence in Leawood focuses on energy efficiency and a connection to the natural world.

A Leawood home will be honored next week by the Mid-America Regional Council as one of the area’s 2012 Sustainable Success Stories.

The Williams York residence at 9219 Wenonga Road is a LEED Platinum residence that uses natural light, an energy-efficient design, protected existing trees and recycled much of the former building. It is one of seven success stories being cited by MARC as part of a community focus on better understanding of sustainable practices that can transform the metro into “America’s Green Region.” Another honoree is the Shawnee Mission School District for its school cafeteria waste diversion project.

This is how the honors program describes the York house:

“Due to a compromised foundation, the former house was deconstructed and 82% of all materials recycled or repurposed. A consulting arborist illustrated the vulnerable space around the trees that required protection from excavation or compression and developed a detailed Tree Protection Plan. This awareness and appreciation for the existing trees consistently influenced all aspects of the design and construction. Various materials with low-VOC finishes and recycled content were sourced within a 500-mile radius to promote sustainability and local economy. A ground source heat pump provides heating, air conditioning and hot water while using about 30% less energy than a standard heat pump and saving around 50% of energy costs over standard furnace systems. In addition, …energy-efficient windows with an R6 and higher rating were used. To further reduce strain on the existing power grid, a 4KW solar panel system was integrated into the concrete tile roof, while a rainwater catchment system provides irrigation for low-maintenance native plantings.”

Davison Architecture + Urban Design worked with Homoly Construction on the project. The solarium space allows the homeowners to reconnect with the natural world and opens up a view not available in the 28 years they have lived there.

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