DEWEES ISLAND, S.C., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- With rising ecological awareness and increasing utility prices impacting everyday activities, environmentally responsible or "green" building is making news in residential construction. New technology and greater availability of green products are enabling forward-thinking builders and developers to produce projects that appeal to luxury buyers and renters who seek to lower energy consumption and make more earth-conscious choices. For John Porretto, a green home is not just an architectural choice, it's an environmental benefit. Unlike the green homes of past decades, today's homes feature energy efficiency, structural integrity, safety, health, and even fine design. Currently, he is putting the finishing touches on a masterfully designed, earth-honoring, energy-efficient, low-maintenance, simply exquisite house on Dewees Island, South Carolina, a paradigm-setting, environmentally conscious community. Given recent hurricane disasters, deciding to build on a barrier island with common construction approaches can be risky business. This home is built to last for generations in harsh coastal environments and derives its integrity from stamped engineering foundation and framing plans, timber frames and structural insulated panels. This home serves as a prototype for truly ecologically sound construction and ultra-low maintenance. The timber framing lends unrivaled strength and interior beauty, while the use of structural panels offers superior insulation and durability. All the wood is reclaimed, from standing dead trees or sustainably harvested. The closed loop, geothermal HVAC system and insulated windows increase efficiency. Windows look onto the marsh and the Intracoastal Waterway, inviting coastal breezes to freshen the air and ample sunlight to brighten the rooms. Natural materials maintain healthy indoor air quality, while attention to small but significant details marks the house as authentically "green."
