2008 Green Home at Tradition

The Jasper House combines the beauty of Southern architecture with the latest sustainability advances in building technology. The house is the first home in South Carolina certified by the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes program as “Gold Certified”.

A green home is one that uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier for the people living inside. Green homes are safer, healthier, more comfortable, and more durable than conventional homes.

Tradition, South Carolina, a new town near Savannah and Hilton Head, wanted to set the standard for houses in their community by building a high-performance green home that still captured the timeless beauty of Southern architecture. In order to accomplish their vision, Tradition engaged Dawson Wissmach Architects. The result is Jasper House, named after our local Revolutionary War hero, Sergeant William Jasper and the county in South Carolina where the home is located.

The benefits of a green home include financial benefits such as lower energy and water bills; environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and health benefits such as reduced exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. Many assume that a sustainable home is more expensive. Though there are some additional construction costs initially, the resulting reduction in utility and maintenance costs make the net cost of ownership comparable to that of a conventional home. Upon its completion, Jasper House will be open for tours showcasing the benefits for sustainable design in this sustainable community.