Energy Star NAHB Green-GOLD Home Honored by Builder Association

Dec. 11, 2009 - PRLog -- The Lehigh Valley Builders Association held their 19th annual Holiday Celebration and Awards for Professional Excellence Banquet Monday night to honor the best home designs and construction of 2009 as selected by a committee of industry peers.  The award program, one of the most prestigious and competitive in the state, was held at the Holiday Inn in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania.  

Hanover Homes North Corporation won both awards for their affordable, elegant, and functional 1,933 square foot home constructed in the Village at Tripp Park, Scranton.  The home is one of the first Energy Star® EPA certified and National Association of Home Builders “Green” GOLD certified custom homes in Pennsylvania and the house, lot, landscaped package is presently offered for sale at $275,000.

The goal when constructing the home was to maximize living space, to provide room-to-room flow, and emphasize aesthetic appeal, both inside and out, and at the same time incorporate the latest technologies, construction methods, and specifications that have earned the company numerous other environmental and energy savings awards.  The end result is a home that promises lower utility bills, better indoor air quality and lower maintenance—all with a floor plan ideally suited for today’s lifestyles.  

To meet this goal, the design had to take full advantage of the site and add visual appeal to the home before you even walk in the front entry.  To that end decorative brick work, a curved walkway, antique bronze-finish lighting, and a gorgeous leaded glass door and transom was added. To unify the exterior, the geometric pattern of the Andersen® casement windows and an oversized decorative louver were echoed by the shape of the Carriage House-style garage door.  

Inside, the insulated windows let in streams of natural light, minimizing lighting and heating costs while adding instant cheer.  Bruce hardwood floors lend warmth and low-maintenance beauty.  In the great room, with its impressive 10’5” high ceiling, a corner fireplace with granite fascade can be used as a supplemental heating source.  There is ample space above the fireplace for a plasma television, family photographs, or art.  The adjacent kitchen embraces both functionality and visual excitement with its maple cabinetry, Energy Star bisque colored appliances, and generous recessed lighting.  The layout keeps everything within reach of the busy cook while a breakfast bar offers a comfortable spot for casual or on-the-go eating.  A sunny nook has plenty of room for a table that overlooks the rear deck.

Energy conservation was augmented through the installation of a PEX water delivery system which limits the amount of heat lost through the tubes as compared to standard copper pipe.  The system delivers water faster to the low flow Delta faucets and shower heads saving not only energy but water and will allow the Rinaii Tankless water heater to be utilized less often thereby saving energy and prolonging its lifespan.

A humidifier, electronic air cleaner, radon mitigation system, and a two-zone 16 SEER, 91% AFUE high efficiency Carrier forced hot air system add to the comfort inside the home and ensure high indoor air quality.  When not in use, the upstairs zone can be set to reduce energy usage.  

Other high performance materials used in the home include compact fluorescent-light fixtures, Therma-tru steel insulated doors, a master bath glass block window that offers privacy without sacrificing natural light, and an insulation package that includes Thermax sheathing on all interior basement walls.  

Owner Joe Peterson, a Certified Green Professional, was delighted with the recognition he and his company received Monday night.  "When your peers honor your work, it's something special," Peterson said.  "There were so many impressive entries this year that I'm pleased that we won two awards.  The competition was fierce."

Photographs of the home can be viewed on the company's website. www.hanoverhomes.com

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Hanover Homes North Corp. is a Northeast Pennsylvania custom home builder located in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The company has been in business for 50 years, and has built quality homes for generations of Northeastern Pennsylvanians.