Silvia is a LEED accredited professional and is committed to environmental and social sustainability, which is an on-going inspiration and goal for her design approach. Her work wants to contribute to a conscious shift towards a healthier planet. She has designed several residential sustainable projects, some of which received final LEED certification or just followed its guidelines.
Eco-friendly renovation of Bathroom in the Upper West Side, NY
The goal of this renovation was to be as sustainable as possible, demonstrating that you can reduce waste and be eco-conscious also in New York, the city of consumerism and shameful wastes. Here are the accomplishments:
- DIVERT FROM LAND FIELD: the existing fixtures and accessories were donated to BIGNYC, a no profit association that disassembles and collects second hand construction materials, or they were offered for free on craigslist.
- REUSED MATERIAL: the wall tiles were beautiful samples (destined to be trashed) from Fireclay Tile, a company that produces recycled handmade tiles; the white Cosentino silestone for countertop, saddle, and sill was found at BIGNYC, it had a small stain in a corner that was cut out. Sink and shower controls, sink, and medicine cabinets had minor scratches, and were supposed to be trashed.
- LED LIGHTS: only lights used,to reduce electricity consumption and bulb waste given their long life.
- LOW VOC PAINT
- DIVERT FROM LAND FIELD: the existing fixtures and accessories were donated to BIGNYC, a no profit association that disassembles and collects second hand construction materials, or they were offered for free on craigslist.
- REUSED MATERIAL: the wall tiles were beautiful samples (destined to be trashed) from Fireclay Tile, a company that produces recycled handmade tiles; the white Cosentino silestone for countertop, saddle, and sill was found at BIGNYC, it had a small stain in a corner that was cut out. Sink and shower controls, sink, and medicine cabinets had minor scratches, and were supposed to be trashed.
- LED LIGHTS: only lights used,to reduce electricity consumption and bulb waste given their long life.
- LOW VOC PAINT
OFF THE GRID COTTAGE, HEBRON, NY
This tiny cottage completely immersed in Nature is meant to be a weekend retreat to gain new inspiration and energy. It is also a "laboratory" to test the latest green technology and to minimize waste of material, space and energy within an efficiently design space of 230sf.
It is designed to be completely off the grid, using a natural spring in the property for water, harvesting energy from the sun and wind, hot water from a bio mass boiler which also heats the space through a floor heating system.
One of the main concerns of the client was to have a cottage that looked it belonged to the landscape so vernacular architecture of local agricultural and shepherds sheds was the main inspiration for the design.
Most of the material is reclaimed: corrugated metal for the roof, wood boards with different textures and orientations for the exterior walls and deck, wood beams, rafters and doors.
It is designed to be completely off the grid, using a natural spring in the property for water, harvesting energy from the sun and wind, hot water from a bio mass boiler which also heats the space through a floor heating system.
One of the main concerns of the client was to have a cottage that looked it belonged to the landscape so vernacular architecture of local agricultural and shepherds sheds was the main inspiration for the design.
Most of the material is reclaimed: corrugated metal for the roof, wood boards with different textures and orientations for the exterior walls and deck, wood beams, rafters and doors.
To maximize the use of space the bedroom has been located on a loft over the kitchenette and bathroom, overlooking the living room. The walls and roof structural systems are based on SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) that provide one of the highest R-value available on the market. Special care has also been given to the insulation of windows and doors to minimize waste of heat. During the summer a ceiling fan in the living room and cross ventilation will be used to cool the space. Following the local vernacular architecture, the cottage sits on a fly ash concrete platform. The south facing porch roof carries a set PV laminates that can provide half of the energy needed while minimizing the visual impact. The rest of the energy is provided by vertical axes wind turbines located on the highest point of the property.
The plan is meant to create a direct link with Nature, maximizing the connection between interior and exterior environment: two sets of glass sliding doors are completely operable in the living room. On the other end the cottage can be completely sealed with wood doors and windows when there are no visitors.
The plan is meant to create a direct link with Nature, maximizing the connection between interior and exterior environment: two sets of glass sliding doors are completely operable in the living room. On the other end the cottage can be completely sealed with wood doors and windows when there are no visitors.
ATTAINABLE LONG ISLAND COMPETITION
This competition required the design for an affordable ($285K max) home, which followed the Principles of Sustainable and Universal Design.
This entry was submitted in collaboration with New World Home and Silvia was in charge of the architecture and renderings. She used Universal Design Principles and “pre-thermostat” era architecture, which allows for passive solar, cross ventilation, and maximized use of space while paying homage to the past. This system is able to save over 55% on energy consumption and up to 40% on water. The design is also based on a modular construction system, which minimizes site disturbance while delivering a high quality product assembled and monitored in an indoor environment.
As designed, this home is expected to achieve LEED Platinum, EPA Indoor AirPLUS, Watersense Certification and Energy Star 3.0.
This entry was submitted in collaboration with New World Home and Silvia was in charge of the architecture and renderings. She used Universal Design Principles and “pre-thermostat” era architecture, which allows for passive solar, cross ventilation, and maximized use of space while paying homage to the past. This system is able to save over 55% on energy consumption and up to 40% on water. The design is also based on a modular construction system, which minimizes site disturbance while delivering a high quality product assembled and monitored in an indoor environment.
As designed, this home is expected to achieve LEED Platinum, EPA Indoor AirPLUS, Watersense Certification and Energy Star 3.0.
MONTANA LOG CABINS
These cabins have been designed to be built following natural and traditional log and stone construction techniques and high standards of insulation to reduce waste of heat and energy to a minimum. The efficiently designed 800sf will allow for maximum comfort while minimizing the carbon footprint. Plan to use salvaged wood and material for construction and interior design.