In the decisions we make, much attention is paid to the full life of
the buildings, both in terms of livibility and longevity. Because of this
many of our projects share certain traits that reflect the Garland Mill
approach. The following characteristics and methods are just a starting
point. Your participation and input are what makes your structure a home.
Timberframe
Most of our buildings incorporate timberframes as the structure, or
part of the structure. This building technique provides strength, longevity,
warmth, and beauty. (For more thoughts on this subject, view our
timberframe page.)
Local wood
Our timbers are harvested locally and milled at our water-powered mill.
For the parts of our projects where we cannot mill the wood ourselves,
we make a concerted effort to use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) materials,
local or salvage woods.
Super-insulation and Mechanical Ventilation
Our homes employ super-insulated envelopes which are tested for air
tightness several times throughout construction. Mechanical air ventilators
are used to exhaust stale moist air and use the heat from that air to
preheat incoming cold fresh air. This keeps interior air fresh and healthy
while retaining some of the heat that would otherwise be lost. A few
of our clients have chosen to push the limits of high-efficiency and
super-insulation in order to attain extremely low energy demands. Low
enough that these demands can be met by renewable energy.
Healthy Interiors
Good interior air quality is a primary goal of any home. To achieve
this, we use binders, sealers, paints and finishes that are low in volatile
organic compounds. Healthy paints, plasters, and other materials are
available which off-gas far fewer harmful compounds than standard products.
Salvage Materials
From whole barns down to door hardware, and everything in between, we
love to use salvage materials in our projects. Four panel doors and
associated hardware have been a popular of late, but our palette includes
flooring, windows, framing material, claw foot tubs, slate roofing,
old stone farm sinks, among others.
Universal Access
We endeavor to design homes that provide access to inhabitants
of all abilities; small children, the elderly, handicapped, a teen-ager
with a broken leg, a middle-aged inhabitant after hip replacement surgery.
This means, for starters that homes have an accessible entryway, an
accessible bathroom and bedroom on the first floor. The bedroom on the
first floor can be an office, den or away room that can be converted
for temporary use or in the future as inhabitants age. Bathrooms have
sufficient backing in the walls for appropriate handles to be added
when required.
Passive Solar Orientation
An important characteristic or pattern of a GMT home is that it takes
advantage of the sun to provide both day lighting and passive solar
heat gain.
Outdoor Living Space
Summers in the north are notoriously short. So, in the warmer months,
it is important to be outdoors enjoying the sun as much as possible.
Screened porches, outdoor rooms, garden space and patios are all design
priorities for the Garland Mill. We spend a good deal of time considering
how these outdoor living spaces integrate with the home and the landscape.
