Armstrong Builders has been named the Grand Award Winner in this year’s Green Builder Home of the Year Awards for its durable, low-energy Kumuhau project located in Waimanalo. Designed and built in partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the project was recognized for its functional use of natural surroundings, water and energy efficiencies, and reflective planning in the design layout.
“We feel truly honored to receive this recognition for our Kumuhau project,” said James Keller, president of Armstrong Builders. “We made a very deliberate effort to incorporate a number of features that would contribute to the overall sustainability and affordability of the homes. And while we aimed for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, we ended up achieving LEED Gold.“
Kumuhau consists of 45 single-family homes located at the base of the Ko'olau Mountains in Waimanalo. Featuring Hawaiian Plantation-style architecture, there are five different model homes, ranging from two to five bedrooms. Among the homes’ green features are solar photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting systems, dual flush toilets, high-quality insulation, and low-VOC paints, flooring and carpet. None of the homes rely on air conditioners, instead they feature whole house fans, which are used to naturally cool and ventilate the homes by exchanging hot air, moisture and odors with fresh air that is pulled in from the outside. In addition to designing and building the homes to be sustainable, Armstrong Builders also aimed to educate residents on how to live more sustainably. Features such as a “solar clothes dryer” a.k.a. clothesline help residents save electricity and in turn money. All five of the model homes in the Kumuhau community have been certified as LEED Gold.
Noted the judges: “This project was so well thought out before being built…it’s a place to live a complete life, a true, naturally passive house that takes advantage of the local climate.” Kumuhau was one of 10 green residential projects recognized from across the country.
Presented by Green Builder Media, North America’s leading media company focused on sustainable living, the Green Builder Home of the Year Awards are awarded to the best and most cutting-edge green residential building projects.
About Armstrong Builders, LLC
Established in 1976, Armstrong Builders, LLC is an award-winning integrated multi-disciplinary company dedicated to outstanding service and craftsmanship in the areas of custom home building, luxury, affordable housing and residential community development, and commercial construction. The company is also a leader in Hawaii’s green building industry with a team of LEED accredited professionals and a commitment to building and living sustainably. For more information, visit the website or call (808) 848-2484.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution images of the project are available upon request. Please contact Caroline Witherspoon or Lindsay McClelland of Becker Communications, Inc.
Media Contact:
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