A Look at Kentucky’s First LEED for Homes Midrise
The property is energy efficient and includes many other green features.
By Dees Stribling, Contributing Editor
Newport, Ky.—The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded Vue 180 on the Water, a four-story apartment building in suburban Cinncinati, the first LEED for Homes Midrise certification (LEED Silver) in the state of Kentucky. The property was developed by Capital Investment Group, designed by CR architecture + design, and built by Thompson Thrift Construction.
Sol design + consulting of Cincinnati provided energy consulting and green building certification services for the 93-unit project. One of the features earning the structure its certification was its high energy efficiency, which exceeds LEED ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) design requirements by 23.4 percent.
Other sustainable features include a central fresh air delivery system, high performance windows, Energy Star dishwashers and bath exhaust fans, and allergen-reducing MERV 11 air filters. The building was also designed to include Green Label Plus carpets, and low-VOC paints, sealants and adhesives, which contribute to a healthy indoor environment.
The property’s construction managed to divert 56 percent of its waste diversion from landfills. Open-web floor trusses, precut framing package and 24-inch on-center ceiling joists and rafters all contributed to the conservation of lumber and reduced job site waste.
The Vue 180 is built over a parking structure. Amenities include upscale finishes, a lounge and outdoor balconies. Rents start at about $1,200 per month and range upward to $1,850 per month.