The New Normal: Homes As Safe Sanctuaries for Living, Playing, Working and Learning - Lessons from Burh Becc at Beacon Springs

As the world and individuals start to define the post-coronavirus "New Normal" many are looking to transform their homes into sustainable residences that can support their families during a crisis, along the lines of Burh Becc at Beacon Springs. This home is a beacon of light, one of two in the world to achieve full Living Building Challengetm certification by the International Living Future Institute. Simultaneously, scientists and experts are studying how redefining the traditional concept of home environments may lead to a low-carbon economy.

"We have an opportunity like never before to adopt a new way of thinking and living," said Michael Klement, AIA, Principal of Architectural Resource, the firm that designed the acclaimed Burh Becc at Beacon Springs. "Suddenly, health, autonomy, resiliency, and sustainability are higher on the priority list than granite countertops." Klement noted that all of their calls in the last month have been inquiries about how homes can become safe sanctuaries for living, playing, working, and learning.

To address this need and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Architectural Resource will host a free multimedia event, The Visible Green Home® Virtual Burh Becc Earth Day Tour. The virtual experience takes place Saturday, April 25, 2020, from 11:00 a.m., EDT, to 12:30 p.m., EDT. It will provide insights on the concepts, design, and systems at Burh Becc that will help individuals seeking to turn their homes into sustainable sanctuaries as they remodel or build new dwellings. To join the tour register via Eventbrite.

Mr. Klement and homeowners Tom and Marti Burbeck will lead the live virtual tour and field questions from viewers. Attendees who submit questions via email will receive individual responses on the same day.

The presentation will include:

• The sustainable systems that make the home autonomous: net zero energy, water, and waste.
• A behind the scenes look at design diagrams and the building process.
• A virtual photo tour of the completed residence.
• Guidance for individuals seeking to transform their homes in anticipation of the New Normal.

"The coronavirus has caused all of us to rethink how we define our homes in a way that celebrates all of humanity and nature," added Klement. "People are eager to embrace some or all of the sustainable design concepts used in Burh Becc at Beacon Springs, and to create an environment that will sustain both their families and the earth in their daily lives or in emergencies."

Architectural Resource is a full-service, award-winning, architectural design firm specializing exclusively in fine residential design of new homes, cottages, additions, remodels, and renovations with an emphasis on smart, sustainable design. Our expertise ranges from ILFI Living Building Challenge, to PHIUS Passive House, to USGBC LEED for Homes, to NAHB National Green Building Standard. Since the firm's inception in 1991, creating beautiful, healthy, energy efficient buildings have been a fundamental aspect of its core mission. To learn more, visit Architectural Resource LLC.

Living Building Challenge Certification is based on actual measured performance, rather than modeled performance. To earn "Living" certification, Burh Becc demonstrated compliance with stringent performance standards dictated by the 20 Living Building Challenge Imperatives for 12 consecutive months of operation.