Call for Green Architects and Builders in the Southeast
Northwest Florida (the Panhandle) is an ecological gem. One of the only regions in the world to have coastal dune lakes, which is where both salt and fresh water mingle, there are dozens of wildlife preserves watching everything from marine life to wetland habitats in the area. (I was fortunate enough to be there this week while the sea turtles were hatching.)
In turn, the residents of the region have an immense appreciation for their local environment. Which makes it no surprise that they are holding their 3rd Annual Cottages for Kids auction this November to promote healthier environments for their children.
The program brings together talented builders and architects from around the world to design and build eco-friendly, non-toxic playhouses to be sold in support of the Children’s Volunteer Health Network, which provides immediate medical access to uninsured and under-insured children in the area. I volunteer for CVHN on their advisory board and work very closely with the Cottages for Kids program and am astounded at what they have been able to accomplish in the area relying on volunteerism. In just four years, they have helped over 500 children and booked nearly 2000 appointments with the help of local residents and medical professionals.
The program is still taking applications from builders, architects and anyone who wants to lend a helping hand. Visit their website for information on getting involved with this year’s event to be held at Rosemary Beach.
Image of the PinWheel Windmill by Thurber Architects and Curacao LLC from CFK 2007, courtesy of Moon Creek Studios.
I really enjoyed this article. This is an amazing, talented group of builders, as well as community outreach, doing something for an amazing cause. The kids LOVE playing in the houses while they’re on display and the adults are fascinated and educated on the latest ECO building technologies.
We’d like to tell people from a participating architectual firm’s perspective that this event truly benefits all involved. The architects research then apply green practices and products which overlap with the builders efforts as well. The children have a blast at the event but more importantly get exposure at an early age to green ideas like recylcing and energy conservation. Parents too get all this and more reinforced in their minds hopefully affecting their choice of lifestyle. Meanwhile the money generated from the auction gets distributed by the Children’s Volunteer Health Network to disavantaged kids in the area. Our country needs more community impacting activities like this one.