About dwellstead
HISTORIC PRESERVATION & GREEN RETROFITS
At dwellstead, we marry simple and traditional common sense methodologies to smart but practical technology to bring you a home that retains character, beauty and charm, reduces energy consumption, saves money over the long term and contributes to the wellbeing of future generations.
GREEN BUILDING
Older buildings are naturally cooler/warmer. Historic building construction methods and materials often maximized natural sources of heat, light and ventilation to respond to local climatic conditions. These features can save long term dollars when integrated with modern techniques. At dwellstead we identify and assess the existing energy-efficient aspects of a building and how they function to ensure these characteristics are preserved.
Older buildings are built to last. Historic buildings, especially those built before World War II, were generally built with higher quality materials. These include hardwoods —some that are from old forests that we have long since destroyed. Many of these buildings were built to higher standards than modern homes, and with the proper care can outlast them. At dwellstead we keep what is not beyond repair and restore as much as we can — including windows, moldings and flooring.
Older buildings are greener buildings. There is a huge potential for long term savings and reduced energy waste when an energy efficiency renovation is performed on an older building. Retrofitting them makes for the smallest carbon footprint, because less energy is spent manufacturing and bringing materials to the site. And before fitting a building with solar panels and energy saving devices, many of which are made of rare, precious and unsustainable materials, we start out by making the building itself less energy hungry through a number of tactics that enhance the building envelope, avoids the use of petroleum based products, decreases noise level and improves fire safety. We add efficient ERVs for heating and cooling conservation and air comfort.
GREEN LIVING
Older buildings provide a foundation for revitalization. The move toward ‘village living’ — small, walkable, close-knit communities that offer a comfortable, diverse and sustainable way of life—is a growing force in today’s America. Rehabilitating old buildings restores character and soul to our towns and cities. It reinforces a sense of community, makes important contributions to the local economy and acts as a catalyst for improvements to the wider area. It restores blocks back into neighborhoods, attracting residents and vitality to cities like Newburgh that have the potential to be an ideal urban enclave.
WHY NEWBURGH?
Dwellstead believes that Newburgh—with the spirit and commitment of community members, both current and those yet to arrive, is on its way to becoming the thriving city it once was a half a century ago. Learn more about Newburgh here.
