Ready-to-Build Blackburn greenbarns(TM) offer Affordable, Sustainable, LEED-Worthy Alternatives to Traditional Barns WASHINGTON, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- For the last 25 years, architect John Blackburn has been practicing sustainable principles in all his designs, long before "green" became cool. In recognition of Earth Day and to do their part this year, Blackburn and his team are introducing Blackburn greenbarns(TM) (www.blackburngreenbarns.com), starting with four, ready-to-build design models for horse owners that feature sustainable, LEED-worthy materials and finishes. Energy-saving, "passive design" innovations are hidden within the designs, for example, the large roofs are oriented to capture wind and sun in order to ventilate and light the barns naturally. Also offered are optional, eco-friendly systems such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting to take greenbarns(TM) to the next level in sustainability. Blackburn, AIA, senior principal of Blackburn Architects, PC and creator of the greenbarns(TM), is internationally known as a designer and builder of state-of-the-art equestrian facilities, with approximately 100 equestrian projects to date accommodating more than 4,000 horse stalls. In the Washington D.C. area, he also is an established leader in adaptive reuse of existing residential and commercial structures (www.blackburnarch.com, www.equestrian-architects.com). The downturn in the economy motivated Blackburn to explore more cost-effective ways of designing and building barns. "Just because it's less expensive, doesn't mean we have to compromise our values," he states. "We still follow the same principles that have guided our practice from the beginning: design for the health and safety of the horse that reflects the needs of the owner and the site. Adding the green elements of design to further drive this home only adds to the value."
