Using Native Plants in Landsscaping

Native plants are plants that have adapted to the geography, rainfall levels, and climate of a particular region. Native plants occur in communities, that is, they have evolved together with other plants. As a result, a community of native plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species such as songbirds and butterflies.

The reason you might want to consider incorporating native plants into your landscape is that they provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance area to your landscape, while benefiting the environment. Native plants, once established, save time and money by eliminating or significantly reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, water, and lawnmowers.

For more information on native plants, follow these links:

• Wild Ones Natural Landscapers is a 23-year-old non-profit organization devoted to restoring native ecologies and promoting environmentally sensitive horticultural practices.•
• The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center has a comprehensive list of resources for every state.
• National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program tells the basics for starting a backyard wildlife habitat.
• The Environmental Protection Agency's Green Landscaping site has information about reducing energy consumption through the use of native plant landscapes. 
• Ken Robertson's write-up on the tallgrass prairie of Illinois features excellent photos of many dry prairie species.
• The University of Wisconsin Herbarium features photos and descriptions of all plants native to that state.
• The Soil Conservation Service's Midwestern Wetland Flora describes more than 300 species with photos.
• There's lots of info about milkweeds at the Monarch Watch site.

Source: Joel Hawk

Explaining the “heat island” effect

A heat island is a built environment that is warmer than its neighboring rural area caused by dry, exposed surfaces such as roofs and pavement that retain and radiate heat. Heat islands can be as much as 20°F warmer than rural area, increasing cooling costs and energy consumption, elevating pollution causing emissions and greenhouse gasses, compromising human health and impairing water quality. The heat island effect can be reduced by increasing vegitation and reducing paving, adding a rooftop garden, selecting cool reflective roof coverings and cool pavements. Solar photo voltaic panels can also help in reducing the heat island effect by reducing the amount of heat energy absorbed. Solar panels also have the added benefit of generating electricity. For the greatest impact, these strategies should to be implemented on a community wide scale.  While a single cool roof will mainly benefit the habitants of the building, widespread implementation throughout a community could multiply the effectiveness and reduce summertime temperatures. On your next remodel, addition or new construction project, consider increasing vegetation, adding a rooftop garden or installing a cool roof and cool pavement. All of which will save money by lowering cooling equipment needs and reducing energy consumption, creating a more comfortable and balanced environment.

How will a remodel or addition impact my property taxes?

This is a question we get all the time. When a building permit is issued for a remodel, addition or other new construction, the county assessor receives notice from the building department. If the work adds value to the property, a reassessment is required. Normal maintenance or repairs are not reassessed. The assessor will determine the value of the new work based on the current market value, not the cost of the work. Only the new work will be assessed. The value of the existing property will not be affected. A supplemental assessmet will be issued 1-6 months after completion of the project, as determined by the date of final inspection approval. Once assessed, the local tax roll will be updated to include the supplemental assessment. Talk to your Architect to find out more or contact the California State Board of Equalization.

Q: 13 of 20 Questions To Ask Your Architect

How does the architect organize the process?

The organization of the architectural process follows simple step-by-step phasing in order to stay on track. This industry proven process defines an architectural project. While some projects may be more complex, and others more simple, these steps apply to every project.

Pre-Design

In the pre-design phase, we work closely with the client to develop a project program that defines the scope of the project. In this phase we will also research building and zoning codes for the site and field measure any existing conditions. This sets the stage for the next phase of Schematic Design.

Schematic Design

During the Schematic Design phase, we explore a multitude of design options. Many times, one single option does not contain all of the desired components. We will take the best of all the options and come up with a cohesive plan that incorporates all the best parts of each design.

Design Development

In Design Development, the designs from the Schematic Design phase are brought together and further developed into a detailed representation of the project. All aspects are explored and resolved into an overall design that takes into consideration all parts of the project.

Construction Documents

Once the Design Development phase is complete, preparation of the Construction Documents can begin. The Construction Documents make up the drawings that will be used for permit, bidding and construction. They will be a part of the contract between the owner and contractor that guide the entire construction process.

Construction Administration

Construction Administration is the overseeing of the project to make sure it is being constructed in accordance with the Construction Documents and the design intent. The architect works closely with the contractor and the owner to address on-site issues and answer any questions that arise.

Green Building and Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can be an integral part of any building design project. The visual impact can be great, not to mention the safety proper lighting can provide. As required by the building code, all outdoor lighting is required to be high efficacy. What does that mean? High efficacy lighting produces 40 lumens per watt, or less. Lumenes are a measurment of the amount of visible light emitted by a source. So, a high efficacy light fixture would be one that produces a high amount of visible light related to the amount of energy it consumes. Most LED and flurescent light fixtures will meet this requirement. As an alternative, the building code allows for outdoor lighting to be controlled by a manual switch or a motion sensor without an overide. The fixture must also be controlled by a photocell, time clock, or an energy management system, all of which must be provided without an overide. The goal of this regulation is to reduce the power consumption of outdoor fixtures and help assume these fixtures are not on, consuming energy, when not necessary. For now, landscape lighting is exempt from this requirement. Your local jurisdiction may have more stringent regulations. Ask your architect, energy consultant or lighting professional to be sure your project meets the code requirements wherever you are.