Hugh Lofting Timber Framing commits to green construction

Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal – May 9, 2008

West Grove, PA – Hugh Lofting Timber Framing, Inc. has made more than a passing commitment to green construction; it has determined to live it. The newly renovated Hugh Lofting Timber Framing office incorporates many sustainable elements including: recycled barn wood, fly ash content concrete, radiant heat from a scrap wood fired boiler, energy efficient lighting and daylighting techniques, low-e windows and no-VOC paints. Long a proponent of building with the environment, Hugh Lofting said, "It was important for us to reflect our company mission in our facility."

Lofting, who started the company in 1974, literally lives the commitment at home where he raises organic, pasture fed chickens, keeps bees and helps his niece, Claire Murray, with her Inverbrook Farm organic CSA.

"More and more clients are asking how to incorporate elements of green into their homes. Almost all of the commercial projects we see specify FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified woods and many plan to seek LEED certification," said Lofting. Last year, Amy Cornelius, a member of our staff became certified by the US Green Building Council as a LEED-AP so that we could help our clients better understand green and their homes impact on the earth.

Today the company provides green consulting to clients as well as construction management services for LEED projects. "We have been on the forefront of the green building movement and have the experience to help our clients in many ways," said Cornelius.

One of the most exciting green projects that the firm has been involved with is a Kennett Square, PA residence that is nearing completion. Currently applying for LEED-H certification the project features a myriad of green technologies including: timber framing, passive solar and ventilation, energy star lighting and appliances, innovative storm-water techniques, structural insulated panels from Foard Panels and a Superior Wall foundation.

"We are a registered LEED for Homes contractor and that makes us proud," said Lofting. In 2008 the company launched a boutique line of predesigned homes named the EcoCollection. The homes are designed by prominent local architects and incorporate many green technologies that are meant to support application for LEED-H designation. The company plans to build one or two LEED-H homes a year. “The green movement is like a tidal wave that is bringing change to how we live and how we do business,” said Lofting. The company has adopted a saying – Sustainability Begins at Home. In their case, it truly does.

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