Custom Residential Architects Network

The most recent issue of the CRAN Chronicle should have reached your inbox on April 21st. The issue focused on all aspects of reusing and recycling, from recycled building materials to recycled designs!

A feature which has recently been introduced into the Chronicle is "Join the CRANversation". In each issue, a topic will be briefly introduced and we have the chance to discuss either here on the forum page or among your local peers.

So now is your chance to Join the CRANversation...here was the topic presented in the most recent Chronicle. Thank you to Chronicle committee member, David Rausch, for preparing the topic for this issue.

Housing Stock - Retain & Reuse

By David Rausch, AIA | David Rausch Studio

According to statistics prepared by the Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research (1), over a 32 year period from the mid 1970's, the number of existing single family homes in the United States increased by 67 percent while the US population only grew by 40 percent. Simply put, this data illustrates more individual households with fewer actual occupants occupying larger homes.

During this same period, statistics indicate that energy consumption of homes built in the 1970's is 20 percent greater than those built in the 2000's. (2) Further, technology and societal changes in lifestyle and family composition further challenge the usefulness of many older homes, which are often located in desirable, mature urban areas where infrastructure, community and neighborhood resources already exist.

While there is considerable focus amongst architects to construct new homes in a sustainable way, where do you stand on a belief that effective sustainable practices involve improving existing homes, rather than constructing new ones where possible? To that end, do you believe architects have a bias toward new construction, and with that, a qualified commitment to sustainability? Should residential architects become greater champions and leaders in this area? Have you used USGBC's "Regreen" or NAHB's Green Building Standard in a renovation project and, if so, did it serve useful to create a sustainable renovation?

(1) "32 Years of Housing Data", Frederick J. Eggers et al, Revised October, 2007

(2) "How much energy homes use, and why" Special Studies, November 5, 2014, Paul Emrath, Ph.D., and Joshua Miller, Ph.D., Economics and Housing Policy, National Association of Home Builders

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Brenda Nelson Assoc. AIA
Intern Architect
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, Inc.
Omaha NE
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Hi Brenda,

I am a remodeling architect in Charlotte. Over half my work is in this area. While we see our share of tear downs. There are very few homes that cannot be brought back from neglect of the time and owners or  amenities they may not have. While Charlotte has been all about tearing down its commercial stock , housing has not seen that type off loss.

I for one like renewing homes for future generations.



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Donald Duffy ArCH, AIA
Don Duffy Architecture
Charlotte NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-07-2015 12:25
From: Brenda Nelson
Subject: Join the CRANversation!

The most recent issue of the CRAN Chronicle should have reached your inbox on April 21st. The issue focused on all aspects of reusing and recycling, from recycled building materials to recycled designs!

A feature which has recently been introduced into the Chronicle is "Join the CRANversation". In each issue, a topic will be briefly introduced and we have the chance to discuss either here on the forum page or among your local peers.

So now is your chance to Join the CRANversation...here was the topic presented in the most recent Chronicle. Thank you to Chronicle committee member, David Rausch, for preparing the topic for this issue.

Housing Stock - Retain & Reuse

By David Rausch, AIA | David Rausch Studio

According to statistics prepared by the Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research (1), over a 32 year period from the mid 1970's, the number of existing single family homes in the United States increased by 67 percent while the US population only grew by 40 percent. Simply put, this data illustrates more individual households with fewer actual occupants occupying larger homes.

During this same period, statistics indicate that energy consumption of homes built in the 1970's is 20 percent greater than those built in the 2000's. (2) Further, technology and societal changes in lifestyle and family composition further challenge the usefulness of many older homes, which are often located in desirable, mature urban areas where infrastructure, community and neighborhood resources already exist.

While there is considerable focus amongst architects to construct new homes in a sustainable way, where do you stand on a belief that effective sustainable practices involve improving existing homes, rather than constructing new ones where possible? To that end, do you believe architects have a bias toward new construction, and with that, a qualified commitment to sustainability? Should residential architects become greater champions and leaders in this area? Have you used USGBC's "Regreen" or NAHB's Green Building Standard in a renovation project and, if so, did it serve useful to create a sustainable renovation?

(1) "32 Years of Housing Data", Frederick J. Eggers et al, Revised October, 2007

(2) "How much energy homes use, and why" Special Studies, November 5, 2014, Paul Emrath, Ph.D., and Joshua Miller, Ph.D., Economics and Housing Policy, National Association of Home Builders

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Brenda Nelson Assoc. AIA
Intern Architect
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, Inc.
Omaha NE
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