A simple design and thorough planning is all it takes to create a green home, according to homeowner and builder Carl Seville.
» Photos: Decatur Historic District craftsman goes green
Carl has worked as a green building consultant for more than 20 years, and he and his wife Kate Seville built their home in the Decatur Historic District in 2017, creating an incredibly efficient and environmentally friendly home that fits seamlessly with the historic homes that surround it. Details like ductless air conditioning, great insulation and a centrally located water heater drastically cut down on the energy and water waste of the home.
“It’s a matter of thoughtful design, following instructions and quality construction, and you’ve got a green building,” said Carl. According to him, his design for his home basically consisted of an airtight box. “Don’t make a really complicated design,” he said.
Even the Sevilles’ yard is extra green, opting for native plants rather than a lawn, which would require energy to mow, fertilizers that are bad for the environment and water waste in irrigation. Also, their driveway is pervious paving, made from a porous material that allows water to pass through rather than run off the lot.
The couple worked with architect Thomas Hood and project manager Kurt Ptacek to create their green home. The house has been awarded a LEED Platinum certification, Decatur Historic Preservation Commission Award, Outstanding Single-Family Project of 2017 by U.S. Green Building Council and more.
Snapshot
Residents: Kate and Carl Seville. Kate is a product manager, and Carl is a green building consultant.
Location: Decatur
Size: 2,646 square feet, three bedrooms, three bathrooms
Year built: 2017
Project consultants: Architect Thomas Hood, interior designer Lisa Turner of Trinity Mercantile & Design, project manager Kurt Ptacek and builder Carl Seville
Architectural style: Craftsman four square
Favorite architectural elements: simple design which allows for energy efficiency, screened-in porch
Interior design styles: Transitional/Eclectic
Favorite interior design elements: organic colors with touches of red throughout
Favorite outdoor feature: sculpture by Andrew T Crawford Ironworks
Resources: Furniture and decor by CR Laine Furniture, Lexington Home Brands, Robert Allen, Theodore Alexander, Arteriors, Lewis and Sheron Textiles, Mary Dwan, Mary Frances Paints, Pietra Antica, Capel Rugs, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Rose Cumming and Vanguard Furniture all through Trinity Mercantile & Design. Art by R. A. Miller, Nathan Tavel, Andrew T Crawford Ironworks, Suzie Baker, Colin Page, Ken DeWaard, John Guernsey and Lea Ann Slotkin through Trinity Mercantile & Design. The paint color throughout most of the home is Sherwin Williams Aesthetic White, guest bedroom is Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, office is Sherwin Williams Topsail, and the kitchen cabinets are Mizzle by Farrow & Ball.
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