Beyond a Better Box

What the envelope can do for you.

On Wednesday, March 13, 2013, Robert M Cain, FAIA, presented to the attendees at Greenprints 2013 a gestalt of how modern design and sustainable design are not mutually exclusive.  The LEED Platunim-rated RainShine House in Decatur, Georgia was the case study.  The presentation addresses the six goals of the RainShine House design and how they were achieved.  Each goal is illustrated diagramatically and photographically, with LEED references and resources.

Envelope Goals established with Owner input

1.  Bring as much winter sunlight as possible into the house to counter the Owner's seasonal affective disorder

2.  Extend the times fo the year when the house can use natural ventilation instead of heating and cooling

3.  Collect rainwater for household use

4.  Design the house to incorporate photovoltaic modules

5.  Shade in Summer, sunlight in Winter for an open South-facing backyard porch

6.  Shady screened porch for Summer use

View a clip of Robert M. Cain, FAIA speaking about Greenprints

View the whole presentation

Construction Sequence to Completion - Master Bedroom

Please enjoy the construction process of the RainShine House from start to finish, viewed from the loft, looking toward the south windows in the living room. Feel free to email with questions or comments about any image in the slideshow or specific stage of construction!

Construction Sequence to Completion - Kitchen

Please enjoy the construction process of the RainShine House from start to finish, viewed from the dining room, looking toward the kitchen. Feel free to email with questions or comments about any image in the slideshow or specific stage of construction!

Construction Sequence to Completion - Living Room

Please enjoy the construction process of the RainShine House from start to finish, viewed from the entry, looking toward the south windows in the living room. The final photo is the overall living room from the loft above. Feel free to email with questions or comments about any image in the slideshow or specific stage of construction!

Construction Sequence to Completion - Loft

Please enjoy the construction process of the RainShine House from start to finish, viewed from the loft, looking toward the south windows in the living room. Feel free to email with questions or comments about any image in the slideshow or specific stage of construction!

Construction Sequence to Completion - NW

Please enjoy the construction process of the RainShine House from start to finish, viewed from the Northwest corner of the property, from the street toward the driveway and kitchen windows. Feel free to email with questions or comments about any image in the slideshow or specific stage of construction!

Construction Sequence to Completion - SE

Please enjoy the construction process of the RainShine House from start to finish, viewed from the Southeast corner of the property, from the backyard toward the porch and master bedroom. Feel free to email with questions or comments about any image in the slideshow or specific stage of construction!