“Sustainable” (earth friendly) architecture brings to mind many things:  High-tech solar panels, “raw” looking building materials, and the state of Arizona in general.  Award-winning, perhaps, but not necessarily in the “beauty” category.  And not what easily fits in a Nashville neighborhood.

Surprise!  This beautiful “sustainable” home under construction resides right here in Nashville!  Commissioned by our forward-thinking clients Ed and Jan Routon, and designed by my favorite architect David Baird and yours truly, this one changes all the rules.

A lovely English Country style home, the Routon Residence is not just beautiful in form, but also truly integrated with its highly efficient energy and water systems.

For example, the baths will be luxuriously sustainable “home spas”.  The hot water is recirculated in three zones, so that each part of the house has nearly instant hot water.  The water heating comes largely natural and “for free” – coming up from naturally warm water wells (geothermal).  Below are a few other highlights, illustrated by our computer-generated models.

The Master Bath will feature long-lasting and classic (sustainable in the “old fashioned” way) marble on the floors, walls and counters.  The shower, sinks and a whirlpool tub will have low-flow faucets, and a low flow toilet, cutting water use down by over half.

…..the view from the whirlpool tub, below…..

The shower, below, will sport a super adjustable, low flow shower head, conserving water without sacrificing luxury…..

And this is Buddy…..He has the most “spa” shower of all (guest bath just off the mudroom) …..River rocks on the floor and as a decorative tile band….

Buddy’s shower has been designed just for him.  The hand-held shower has an extra long hose, set a little lower than average, for dog-washing.   Buddy’s Bath, along with all the others in the house, will sport the same water efficiencies as the Master Bath.

And here are the materials:  Marble on the left, river rocks on the right…..

Stay tuned…..