Release of airborne particulates in average home makes indoor air two to ten times more polluted than outdoor air, according to Environmental Protection Agency

With the average person spending more than 90% of their time within an indoor environment, including a high percentage living inside their personal residences, research from the Environmental Protection Agency suggests that indoor air quality is two to ten times more polluted than outside air. A major factor contributing to this phenomenon is the existence of “off-gassing” which consists of the release of airborne particulates from carpeting, furniture, household cleaning supplies, adhesives and paint. Inadequate heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems generally do a poor job of eliminating these toxins and importing cleaner, fresher air from the outside.

To combat off-gassing, as well as create an eco-friendly environment that encourages energy and water efficiency and promotes a highly-sustainable style of living, The Lauren Residences has unveiled its “Luxury is Living Healthy” array of building features and processes while pursuing the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for Homes Certification. 1788 Holdings and Persimmon Capital Partners are co-developing The Lauren Residences, a seven-story condominium building featuring twenty-nine units, ranging from approximately 1500 square feet to 7300 square feet of space.

Situated at the intersection of Woodmont Avenue and Hampden Lane in downtown Bethesda, the project is expected to be delivered and ready for residential occupancy later this month.

“The quest to live healthier and smarter is infiltrating the consciousness and daily decision-making of most consumers, with an emphasis on healthful eating and exercising, and a somewhat less active approach towards examining the places and conditions where people spend most of their day,” explained Larry J. Goodwin, Principal, 1788 Holdings, LLC. “At The Lauren Residences, we have made it a priority to create residential spaces that closely monitors indoor air quality with the import of tempered fresh air, as well as integrating design elements that improve energy efficiency, conserve resources and minimizes the harmful effects of natural sunlight.”

Roof-top installed air supply systems at The Lauren Residences continually monitors indoor air quality, and passes all air through filters to maintain a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of eight, which is the acceptable level according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications. The HVAC system also mixes fresh, tempered air from the outside to assure interior air “turnover” and reduces the level of pollutants that typically causes allergic reactions, skin irritations, coughing and congestion.

Other construction and design elements that promote the “Luxury is Living Healthy” concept include:

• Energy-efficient building envelope that ensures minimal air leakage into and out of the individual unit’s HVAC systems to maintain the home’s thermal comfort and saving heating and cooling energy.

• LED lighting systems designed to reduce energy consumption and produce cost savings, which are equipped with lighting that reads warm white 2700 kelvin temperature.

• Waterworks fixtures with water sense technology that significantly reduces the usage of water by the bathroom toilets and faucets.

• Eco-friendly wool carpeting, used in the common areas, featuring premium organic materials, as an alternative to products consisting of harsh chemicals and dyes.

• UV-treated windows that filter out damaging sunrays and reduces thermal impact to furniture, rugs and draperies.

• Control4 and Nest Learning Thermostat that enables residents to control interior temperature settings and lights remotely through mobile devices. The device also “learns” the patterns and behaviors of the occupants and adapts to the different seasons recognizing when residents are away and adjusting temperature for maximum energy efficiency.

“The Lauren’s placement within walking distance to the amenities of downtown Bethesda has also proven appealing to prospects that place emphasis on a pedestrian-friendly environment as it relates to their lifestyle, stated Michael Snyder of Persimmon Capital Partners. “This location includes close proximity to the Capital Crescent Trail, Caroline Freeland Park and the Metro Station.”

USGBC utilizes a rating system for the design and construction of green buildings and residences to guide building owners to become environmentally responsible and use resources efficiently. Upon completion of The Lauren Residences, the developers of the condominium intend to pursue LEED Certification through the USGBC. “The implementation of these healthy living strategies is projected to receive an independent third-party validation with the earning of LEED for Homes Certification approval,” Larry Goodwin added.

1788 Holdings, LLC is a Bethesda-based real estate investment company with a focus in the Washington, D.C. and suburban Maryland region. The company’s capabilities include the acquisition, development and strategic oversight of commercial office, residential and industrial properties including boutique residential properties. Visit www.1788holdings.com

Persimmon Capital Partners is a diversified alternative investment company focused on direct, private investments primarily equity, real estate and alternative classes. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and was founded in 2008. Visit www.persimmoncap.com