Carlson Studio Architecture

The Janie Poe Property Management & Residential Services Building is designed to provide community service functions for the residents of the new Janie Poe Public Housing development. The multi phase project will bring new affordable rental and both market & below market rate housing units to Sarasota's Housing and Urban Development facilities.

The PMRS building contains property management offices, a multipurpose space, computer labs, a media center, maintenance garage, and exercise room. The design incorporates deep porches for community gatherings as well as informal meeting spaces for the residents. The east side faces out on to an extensive green space that includes a children's play area and picnic facilities.

Seeking a LEED-NC Silver certification, the PMRS building features high efficient HVAC, solar hot water production, the use of reclaimed water for toilet flushing, insulated glass, and clerestory windows on the north facade for natural daylighting.

When the Sarasota County government decided to renovate and expand the Twin Lakes Park Office Complex in Sarasota, FL, they chose to build “green”. The complex reached a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) NC 2.0 Gold certification, a level of achievement in “green” building that recognizes buildings and grounds as environmentally responsible, profitable, and a healthy place to live and work.

The builders of the Twin Lakes complex took many environmental factors into consideration, including erosion and sedimentation, run-off reduction and storm water management on-site, and minimal site disturbance. Bicycle racks were installed outside of the buildings, and showers inside, to encourage employees to choose an alternative method of transportation for their commute to work, such as walking or riding their bike. The complex was constructed with a number of energy-efficiency features that have led to lighting cost reductions of 40 to 60 percent, and it also features a 10 kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system to provide solar electricity along with a solar water heating system.

Photo of interior, Twin Lakes Park Office ComplexKey "Green" Features:

    * Encourages alternative transportation with bike racks and showers inside
    * Low-flow plumbing fixtures and waterless urinals
    * Rainwater used to supply 28,000 gallon cistern for toilets
    * Metal roof with large overhangs to shade windows
    * Building orientation maximizes cool northern sunlight
    * Automated lighting controls
    * 10 kW photovoltaic system
    * Solar hot water heating system
    * CO2 monitors
    * Low-VOC materials
    * Recycled materials used throughout construction
    * Insulated, low-emittance, impact-resistant windows
    * Geothermal heating and cooling system
    * Motion-sensor sink faucets

This 3 bedroom, 3 bath 2500-square-foot home, which earned LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council, is loaded with sustainable features beginning with mindful building orientation to maximize north / south exposures for optimum shading and protect interiors from sun exposure. Natural day light is captured throughout the house with distinctive clerestory windows above the main open living area and solar tube skylights in the hallway and kitchen.  The changing daylight in the house also creates a sense of time and connection to nature.

Modern roofing technologies such as high solar reflecting materials and a roof garden create a cool, comfortable patio space.  Even though the metal roof appears dark in color with its terracotta red finish, the technology of the painting system is actually highly reflective and prevents unwanted heat gain.

Solar photo voltaic (PV) cells provide power to the home producing renewable energy that helps lower electricity use in addition to the solar hot water heater.

Healthy materials without toxic chemicals were liberally incorporated in the home's interior to provide superior indoor air quality.  Many materials also have recycled content.  The concrete foundation and glass tiles in the bathrooms are some examples of this.

Water saving plumbing fixtures and rainwater collection for irrigation reduce the house's water demands.

Highly insulated, solid concrete wall system offers unparalleled storm protection and energy savings.