This 1906 Victorian home in Newton, MA presented quite the project for the team at LDa Architects. The goal at the start of this renovation/expansion was to eventually achieve a LEED Certified status. Getting a home as historical as this one to the level of energy efficiency necessary to receive LEED Certification was no easy feat. Of course, when this home belongs to none other than LDa Principal Architect, Treff LaFleche (he puts the L in LDa), it is safe to say no corners were cut during this project.

Not unlike many of the renovated homes we have featured, this structure is all about the balance between preserving the integrity of the original home and new and innovative designs and eco-friendly technology. The renovation/addition included a new family room, open kitchen, mudroom, breakfast nook and additional bedrooms. Luckily, the team was able to insulate the original structure, adding only a 20% addition to the home.

Notable green features of the home include high efficiency water fixtures, reclaimed white-oak flooring, recycled steel beams, low VOC paints and finishes, Energy Star appliances, thermal pane windows, highly insulated walls, floors and roof. Furthermore, LDa always follows a strict construction waste management protocol with its projects, reducing the amount of building materials in landfills.

The result, distinctive of LDa, was a perfect blend of classic victorian style with eco-friendly technology.  And of course, in February of 2009, it reached the goal of becoming a LEED Certified home.

Photo Credit: Eric Roth Photography

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Appreciate the beauty of LDa’s architectural designs? Close your eyes and pretend you’re in one of their living rooms? Then check out our Kickstarter to receive their fantastic coffee table read, Ideas for Dwelling, complete with signatures from both of LDa’s principal architects.