During the design and development phase, I worked on the detailed design and construction documentation, revision of the plans and elevations under the team leader’s supervision. Apart from this, I was also the student coordinator.

The team then applied for the LEED for Homes international pilot program, a LEED Green Building Rating System developed by the USGBC and a study had to be done. I studied the LEED for Homes Rating System as my research topic for my Bachelor Thesis. The objectives of my thesis were to revise the drawings in order to suggest new solutions, to accomplish the tasks given by the Green Rater and to study the checklist with the aim of obtaining the silver certificate.

The outcome of my research shows that the project can acquire the targeted goal by following the measures under the checklist as well as the suggestions identified and listed. The checklist has to be followed prior, throughout and after construction to attain the points needed to reach the aim.

By the time the construction phase began, I’ve already graduated and I became the project coordinator of the project during the construction phase. My duties included coordinating the administrative, financial and purchase areas of the project.

TAKE AWAY LESSONS

This project introduced me to the world of sustainability and ignited the enthusiasm to understand it. I learned a lot by being part of the project from concept design stage to implementation and construction stage. As the project coordinator, I got to experience and gain understanding of the procedures, process of construction and completing a live project. I was exposed to real time challenges and problems and finding/creating solutions to deliver the project before it’s deadline.

We didn’t win the competition but this project taught me more than just how to design and construct an Eco friendly house. It taught me about team work, organization and persistence to deal with any obstacles thrown my way.