Easy, Breezy Greenies: An Energy Star Home in New York
(Page 4 of 5)
January/February 2009
By Jessica Kellner
Leap of luxury
Though there were challenges, Paul and Rabia Nagin say that building green was easy, inexpensive and totally worth it. “The net effect of everything we did added about 5 percent to our total construction cost,” Paul says. “Doing all of those extra things instead of conventional, and it was just 5 percent! I expected much more than that.”
The Nagins built their home for about $150 a square foot. “Most people who see this house think of it as a luxury house, but around here luxury houses cost $200, $300, $500 a square foot,” he says. “Our house would be considered a normal cost. We did that by being fairly judicious about what we picked. For example, using pine instead of fancy Brazilian wood, which I disagree with in terms of cost and the environment. By being both cost-conscious and tasteful, we got a house that is unique and looks quite sumptuous, but actually was very reasonable.”
A chat with the homeowners
What was the biggest challenge in building the house?
Paul: When you build a house, you have to trust a lot of strangers and hope they will be sensitive to your needs. I made a point of making personal contact with all the people who worked on the project. I said to them, in effect, “This is my home and I want the project to proceed harmoniously.” It may seem a little corny, but I think it made a difference. Overall, the project was on time and within budget, which is pretty amazing for a completely custom design.
Who is your greatest hero and why?
Paul: Right now I would say Al Gore is my hero. He has been working tirelessly to increase our awareness about global warming and to make it a legitimate topic of discussion.
Rabia: Sergio Mobili is a young man who is the son of a dear friend of mine. Having Down syndrome, he has had to deal with things that most of us never encounter. He is the most empathetic and sensitive person I know and brings joy, hope and love into the lives of everyone he meets. Being with him teaches me that there is true goodness in the world.
What’s the best visitor response you’ve ever heard about your home?
Paul: The best comment, which we have heard on several occasions, is when they ask if the house is a “renovation.” They think it is 100 years old! In contrast to most development houses, which tend to look as if they were plopped down from Mars, green houses should look as if they grew there, as if they are a part of the natural landscape.
Rabia: I grew up in a home that was always open to others. A friend of mine said to me after a recent concert/fundraiser, “You are carrying on your mother’s tradition in your new home.”
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