A New Benchmark in Sustainable Luxury
759 S Gaylord Street Achieves LEED Platinum Certification
Published October 30, 2024
A Sustainable Achievement
The story of 759 S Gaylord Street, nestled in the classic Wash Park East neighborhood, represents an impressive feat in sustainable homebuilding. Spearheaded by Kruger Design-Build, with a collaborative verification effort by EnergyLogic’s sustainability team, this remarkable residence has achieved LEED for Homes Platinum certification—the highest recognition from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Beyond that, it has gone a step further, meeting DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, Indoor airPLUS (IAP), and WaterSense standards, reflecting an extraordinary commitment to energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and resource conservation.
A Sustainable Masterpiece in the Heart of Denver
Kruger Design-Build designed this home to honor the neighborhood’s architectural roots while integrating cutting-edge building science. In keeping with the bungalow style, the home features a broad, gently sloping gable roof. However, this traditional form hides modern innovation: the roof’s south pitch houses a 10kW solar array that powers two high-efficiency air-to-air heat pumps for heating and cooling, contributing to the home’s net-zero aspirations. From the outside, the home’s classic brick masonry with cast stone trim gives no hint of the advanced green technology within.
759 S. Gaylord Street
Innovative Energy-Efficient Design Features
The sustainability of this 6,200-square-foot home starts with its energy-efficient design. Equipped with a 22.5 SEER variable speed heat pump, the home achieved top marks in LEED’s Energy Usage category. In addition, low VOC materials and an advanced Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system support exceptional indoor air quality, an area where the home scored highly in LEED’s Indoor Environmental Quality section.
Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort
This achievement was the result of a collaborative partnership between EnergyLogic’s team and Kruger Design-Build. Cameron Kruger’s experience and attention to detail helped streamline the verification process. EnergyLogic team members Trevor Donnelly, a certified Green Rater and Aaron Scott, a Provider QAD worked closely with Kruger Design-Build to ensure compliance with LEED’s rigorous standards. Their combined efforts helped transform a design vision into a high-performance reality, all while respecting the neighborhood’s historic charm.
Inside the Design: Tradition Meets Innovation
Inside the home, modern amenities meet timeless design elements. The kitchen showcases Crystal Cabinet Works inset painted cabinetry, which is paired with high-performance appliances like a Wolf induction cooktop and Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer columns. Low U-factor Marvin fiberglass windows, continuous exterior insulation, and meticulous thermal envelope details demonstrate the home’s thoughtful integration of tradition with advanced building science.
Why LEED Matters
LEED certification, especially at the Platinum level, is more than a badge; it’s a statement of commitment to sustainability, health, and resilience. According to LEED, green-certified homes like 759 S Gaylord are designed to maximize indoor air quality, minimize exposure to airborne pollutants, and offer financial benefits such as reduced utility bills and potential incentives like discounted insurance rates. In an age where climate resilience is increasingly essential, LEED-certified homes are built to withstand adverse weather and environmental challenges, making them a responsible choice for the future.
Inspiring Change
In a market where sustainable design is becoming both a luxury and a necessity, the story of 759 S Gaylord Street stands as an inspiring example of what’s possible when innovation and tradition come together in the name of sustainability. This home doesn’t just meet the mark; it raises it. And as EnergyLogic and Kruger Design-Build demonstrate, every choice—from the materials used to the technologies integrated—can contribute to a better, greener future.
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