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Thank You Virginia Sustainable Building Network!

Shelter Alternatives, Inc. Wins Shelter Alternatives, Inc. Wins Green Innovation AwardGreen Innovation Award

Shelter Alternatives, Inc. Wins Green Innovation Award

The Virginia Sustainable Building Network announced the winners of their 2012 Green Innovation Awards this week and Shelter Alternatives, the Blacksburg based design-build firm, was among the winners. Shelter Alternatives was awarded theprestigious Single Family Residential Project of the Year Award for a home that they designed and built in Montgomery County. Project Supervisor Keelan Utzinger, who also designed the house, worked closely with the client to achieve an energy efficient and creative home.

The small footprint of the completed house, nestled in the woods of Montgomery County, almost exactly mimics the former house that was on the site. In its place is a new, more energy efficient, functional and appealing home that fits naturally with the environment. Sustainable building practices and design features make this home 36% more energyefficient than a home of similar size built to standard building code requirements.

The winners will gather with their peers at VSBNs 17th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Meeting to be held June 28th at the solar powered DuCard Vineyard in Madison County Virginia. The meeting highlights local and global sustainable community initiatives and will include speakers from the New River Valley Planning District Commission and the Royal Danish Embassy.

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Single Family Home, Design – Build by Shelter AlternativesMontgomery County • 2011

This home in the Price’s Fork area of Montgomery County exemplifies our ability to bring the vision of the clients to life. This 1,263 square foot home nestles into a tight site where the previous house stood. Impact on the surrounding site is minimized.

The whimsical nature of these hand turned balusters shows

the contrast between rustic and refined, a theme continued with

the exposed beams, hemlock siding and other details.

In contrast to the client's previous home on the site, a small footprint, extra insulation and high efficiency windows combine to allow a very small heating system. Ample windows bring the outside in while the metal roof will ensure the weather stays out for years to come.

Clever carpentry adds character to these exposed rafters.

The warmth of the kitchen is highlighted by the natural wood cabinets. The concrete countertops were made locally and the tile backsplash adds a splash of color.

The yoga room shows a small beam in the ceiling, complementing the exposed beams of the main level. The built-in cabinets take advantage of the small eave spaces. The custom pantry cabinet utilizes

folding shelves to maximize storage.

The refinished claw foot tub by the window helps give this simple bathroom an open feel.

Natural woodwork shows in these shelves and the handrail, accented by the curved oak rail.

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.... lighten your footprint

ALTERNATIVES, INC.DESIGN BUILD TEAMDESIGN BUILD TEAM

HEL

Unique & Efficient Construction for the NRV Since 1988