Story by Betsy S. Franz • Photography by Dave Potter

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Luxury home leaves small ecological footprint

hen you mention Lansing Island, the prestigious gated community overlooking the water along Indian Harbour and Satellite Beach, terms like exquisite, elegant, and extraor-dinary come to mind. But thanks to Rick and Aimee Balda, owners of Balda Development, you can also add energy effi -cient and eco-friendly when you describe the newest home in the neighborhood. Florida Green Building Coalition Green Home

Standard: PLATINUM certifi cation qualifi ed.

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The4100+squarefootwaterfronthome,whichRickandAimeedesignedandbuilt,containssomanyelementsthatmeettheguidelinesfor“green”certificationthatthehomequalifies for thePlatinum rating– thehighest rating obtainable in theFloridaGreenBuildingCoalitionGreenHomeStandard. Thehome,whichtheBaldaswillliveinwiththeirtwoyoungdaughters,iscertainlyasupscaleandelegantasitsneighborsbutitcontainsmanyinnovativefeaturesthatmakeitstandapartfromitspeers. Seemingtocontradictthetypical“green,”imageitisalargeluxuryhomewithasmallecologicalfootprint.Thesecrettothesuccessofthisprojectlieswiththeowners. RickandAimeepurchasedthelotinLansingIslandbeforetheymovedtothearea,withthegoalofraisingtheirchildrennearRick’sfamily. Whentheylearnedwhatotherresidentsintheneighborhoodwerepayingformonthlyelectricbills,theybegantobrainstormwaystheycouldstillbuildafamily-friendlyspacewhilesavingenergyandconservingnaturalresources.Sincetheybothhaveengineering

Opposite page: The view as you step inside the front doors follows the 300-year-old reclaimed elm floor straight through the living room to take in the view provided by the waterfront site. Left and below: A one-of-a-kind antique hutch anchors the entry space. Aimee likes to mix old pieces with modern accessories. A wet bar positioned just off the main kitchen area has White Quartzite countertops and houses a built-in wine cooler and beverage refrigerator.

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Seeming to contradict the typical “green,” image it is a large luxury home with a small ecological footprint.

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backgrounds,theystartedlookingintothevarious elements of energy efficient con-struction. “Once we began doing research, itjustmade sense to implement alternativestolowertheenergycostswhilebeingenvi-ronmentally responsible,”Aimee said. “Asengineers,wealwayslookatsomethingandsay ‘how could we do this different andbetter’ and we like a challenge. It madesense tobring thatknowledge intobuild-ingourhome.” Their research led them to discoversome innovative technologies that shouldhave a dramatic effect on the energy effi-ciencyandsustainabilityoftheirhome. “Amajorityoftheitemsweincorporated

areleadingedge,”Rickexplained.“Thesolarpanels thatweusedareverynewtoFlorida.WeevenhadtowaitforthemtogethurricaneapprovalforFloridabuildingstandardsbeforewecouldusethem.Butwewantedthosespe-cificpanelsbecause theyblendright inwiththe look of the roof. We can customize anysize system andwe canmonitor systemper-formanceovertheinternet. WealsousedICF(InsulatedConcreteForm) for the walls rather than concreteblock.ICFprovidesaninsulationvalueofR-30+whilethemaximumyouaregoingtogetwithconcreteblockisaboutR-8.Theinsulationofahomeiswhatkeepsthecoolairin.WiththeICFandtheotherefficientforms of insulation that we used, along

Above top: A side door and garage entrance includes a busy family’s stop-and-stow area for shoes, backpacks and other gear. Above: This first floor room could be used as either an office or a guest bedroom.

Above: The expansive kitchen design includes plenty of space for large family dinners, and features commercial grade appliances. Countertops were designed using Black Titanium granite with a brushed finish on the island and White Quartzite on the peripheral surfaces. The large picture window in the gourmet kitchen as well as those positioned between the upper and lower cabinets allow more natural light into the space which limits the need for electric light during the day.

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withthe5kilowattsolarsystem,ourelectricbillswillbesubstan-tiallylowerthanthoseofcomparablesizedhomes.” “OursolarpowersystemistiedintoFPLsoallACelectricitynotusedbythehouseisfedintotheFPLgrid.Weareabletoearncredit for the excesspower thatweproducebutdon’tuse inourhome,”Rickexplained.“Wehave“banked”over1000kilowattsinthelastfewmonthsduringconstructionsowehaveonlyhadtopayaminimalchargeforourelectricityusage.Whenwemoveinandstart running the refrigerator and the washing machine, we willhavethat“banked”poweraheadoftime.Inthewintertime,whenwearen’trunningtheairconditionerasmuch,thesolarsystemwillstillbegeneratingelectricityandaddingcredittoouraccount.Ourelectricitybillsbynextsummershouldbeextremelyinexpensive.” Othertechniquestheylearnedthatmakethehome“green”areprettylow-tech. “IfyoulookbackatthehistoryofFloridaarchitecture,therewereroofeavesthatcamefaroffthehouseforsunprotectionandrainprotection,”Aimeesaid.“Soweextendedoureavesoutfurtherandusedotherprovenmethodsofinteriorclimatecontrolthatwereusedpriortothecreationofairconditioning.”Theseincludeposi-tioningplantstoprovideshadethatreducesheatinsidethehome. The landscaping, which was created by Linda Gombert ofTulinda’s Garden, is another element of the home that earnedthempointsforcertification.ManyoftheprinciplesoftheFloridaFriendlyYardsprogram,suchasrightplantrightplace,watercon-servation,groupingplantswithsimilarwaterandculturalneeds,etc. were utilized in the creation of the landscape. Although anewlawstatesthatHOAsmaynotprohibitpropertyownersfromcreatingFloridaFriendlylandscapes,Gombertwasstillcarefulto

Above: “Wallpaper isn’t coming back, it is back,” shares Aimee. And she selected a pattern by Cole & Son for a feature wall in her master bedroom. “The designs add a tremendous amount of depth and unique character to a space that is difficult to achieve with paint alone.”

Above: Windows were also planned above the vanities in the master bath to allow more daylight to enter the space reducing the need for electric light in the daytime. The wallpaper from the master bedroom continues into this space highlighted with marble floors and his and hers vanities.

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getapprovalfromtheLansingIslandArchitecturalReviewBoardforherplans. “Thetrickwastouseplantsthataregenerally lowmainte-nance,willthriveinthelocation,arenotinvasive,areinterestingenoughtobedistinctive,andyetstilllookliketheyfitinwiththeoverallLansingIslandlook,”Gombertsaid. But it wasn’t just their analytical, engineering minds thatmadetheprojectsuchasuccess.Addtothatthecreativesparkofatalentedinteriordesignstudent,andtheecologicalconcernoftwooutdoorsyyoungparentswhowantedtocreateahomethatwasbothkidfriendlyandenvironmentallyfriendly.

“Duringthewholeprocess,Iwastakingclassesdownattheart institute ofFt.Lauderdale for interiordesign,” saidAimee,whowouldlovetosomedayreachhergoalofbeinganarchitect. “Wedesignedthehomeasatrulyflexiblespace.Wewantedahomethatwilleasilyadapttoourgrowingfamilyandbecom-fortableforfuturehomeowners.Wehaveroughly800squarefeetthatiscurrentlyunfinished.Ireallyliketheideaofhavingtheextrastorageaswellastheoptiontofinishtheatticinthefutureandaddontoourhome.” A planned entrance was also included with a ramp so nostairsarenecessarytoenterthehome.Thereisalsoaclosetthatisdesignedtobeconvertedtoanelevator tomeet theneedsofolderrelatives. “All these designs ensure that the home can grow with uswithminimalchanges,”saidAimee. A largepicturewindowinthegourmetkitchenandothersthroughout the home, provide tremendous aesthetic appealbutalsoallowedtheBaldastoearnpointsforcertification.Forexample,theyincorporatedwindowsinuniquelocationssuchasbetween the upper and lower cabinets in the kitchen and overthevanitiesinthebathrooms.Thesestrategicallyplacedwindowsaddnatural light thathelpeliminate theneed forelectric lightduringtheday. Otherfeaturesthataddedpointstowardscertificationincludelightcoloredpaintandcabinetswhichhelpreflectlight,naturalstoneusedinthebathroomsandflooringwhichis300-year-oldreclaimedelm. As soon as the Baldas discovered a new product or newtechnology, they began passing along the information to theircustomersintheirconstructionbusiness.

Left: Aimee selected wallpaper again in one of her daughter’s rooms. The modern graphic print creates a true focal point in this space. The window seating opens providing extra storage. Below: A Jack and Jill bathroom connects the kid’s bedrooms upstairs. Below left: A generous travertine-covered patio provides out-door living space equipped with a gas fireplace.

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“Whenwebuildahomeforourcustomers,weliketobeinvolvedwiththewholeprocess,fromthebeginningofthedesign,”Ricksaid.“AimeeisacertifiedLEEDAP,whichmeansshehasanextensiveknowledgeof‘green’principles.Butshealsohasthatdesigner’seye.Ihavemoreoftheengineeringmindset.IgointoahomeandIexplainthatbetterinsulationismoreimpor-tantthanalargeAC.Aimeecangoinandseetheperfectplacestoaddwindowsfornaturallight.Togetherweareabletocreate luxuryhomesthatarebuiltsmartandmatchfunctionalitywithgooddesign.” “Th erearestillsomanymisconceptionsaboutwhatmakesahome‘green,’”Ricksaid.“Buyersareconcernedabouttheinitialcostsbeinghigher,whichisnotnecessarilytrue,andtheydon’tlookatthewholepicture;suchaswhattheyaregoingtosavemonthly. “Whenbuyingorbuildingahome,it’snotjustthepurchasepricethatyouhavetoconsider.It’s themaintenance that it requires or its sustainability.Takeourpool for example, it has anozonesystemandenergyefficientpump,whichusefewerchemicalsandlessoverallmaintenanceisrequired.Th ewaterismoreenjoyableandthefilterslastlonger.” “We are always pushing the envelope anddoing somethingdifferent,”Rick said. “We arealwaysworkingonsomethingthatnobodyelseisworkingon.OurswasthefirsthomeinLansingIslandtohavesolarpanels.AndprobablythefirstonewithaFloridaFriendlylandscape.Butthehomefitsinbeautifullyandwillcostalotlesstomaintainandrun.” “Peoplehaveanimageof‘green’buttheyaren’tsurewhatitis.Weteachthemthatitisaboutsustainabilityandefficiency.” ■ For more information on Balda Development & Construction contact Rick or Aimee Balda at321-777-4026. Visit them online at www.baldadevelopment.com.

SOURCESBuilder:

Balda Development & ConstructionLANDSCAPE DESIGN:

Linda Gombert,Tulinda’s Garden

Right: The pool uses an ozone system to reduce the use of

chemicals in the water, and an energy-effi cient pump requires

less maintenance. A large dock at the water’s edge provides

easy access to the intercoastal waterway. Pro-Tech roofi ng

supplied and installed the solar panels for the Balda project.

“People have an image of ‘green’ but they aren’t

sure what it is. We teach them that it is

about sustainability and effi ciency.”

– RICK BALDA, PRESIDENT, BALDA DEVELOPMENT

& CONSTRUCTION

BromeliadVibrant color – long life

Scientifi c name: Guzmania Luna

Common name: Bromeliad

Origin: South America

Best known for: Long-lasting exotic brilliant color for interiors

Expertise needed: Minimal care.

Pest control: No particular pest problems for interior brome-

liads. Exterior use could attract snails which like to live at the

base of the leaves. A little snail-bait will control them.

Where to buy: your local nursery

What to watch for: After blooming, the mother plant is dis-

carded but the new “pups” at the base divided and replanted.

These will grow to a mature plant which will then bloom. Place

these young “pups” outside in the shade garden while they

grow. Bring them in once they start to bloom.

Trivia: The Guzmania bromeliads were named in honor of

Anastasio Guzman, an 18th century Spanish naturalist. The

most popular of all Bromeliads would probably be the tasty

fruit, pineapple!

Just the facts:

hereareabout2,000typesofbromeliads.Th eyvary greatlyinsize,colorandeaseofgrowth.Somevari-etiesmaybesmallenoughtositonawindowsill,whileothersgrowaslongorastallas30feet.Notallbrome-liadsgrowwellindoors,butmanydo.Bromeliadscom-monlygrowintheAmericantropics,andashouseplantsarehardyandenjoyalong-life.GoodaircirculationandexcellentdrainageareimportantforBromeliads. Th eGuzmaniaplantisfromtheepiphytesfamilyofthebromeliads;andthesebromeliadsarelightattachingplants, which grow wherever the sunlight is. Indoors awindow with a southern, eastern or western exposureshould provide satisfactory light for a Bromeliad, butbecareful;mostvarietiesusedashouseplantsdon’t likedirectsunlight. Your Bromeliad will communicate to you aboutits health. If the plant leaves carry a yellowish or palegreen look, the light level is most likely too high, anddarkerthannormalgreenleavesmaymeanitsnotgettingenoughlight.Th especificlightneedsdependonvarietyofBromeliad.Th ick,hardleaveswillhandlemorelightthansoftdarkgreenvarieties.■

Green Thumb Rating:Rated 2 Thumbs: Easy to care for but requires some basic

knowledge of how the plant eats and grows in order to care

for it properly. Simply keep a little water in the bases of the

leaves where they come out of the main body of the plant. The

bloom will last beautifully providing color for 3 to 4 months.

I rate this plant as a #1 choice for ease of care. – SUSAN HALL