"Buyers wanting to upgrade to a new home but who are concerned about the subsequent tax increase should consider renovating existing homes. These buyers can reduce their environmental footprint and gain substantial long-term tax savings. Sarasota is ripe with renovation opportunities.”

-Grant Castilow

Aurora Award winners are homes known to our readers

Herald Tribune August 4, 2012

The 2012 Aurora Awards were presented at the Southeast Building Conference in Orlando a week ago, and several of the winning houses had a look of familiarity to Herald-Tribune readers.

These houses have been featured in the newspaper, either for their green credentials or for winning architectural awards. Or both.

Here's a look at several of the winning houses and a list of the region's Aurora Award winners, as honored by the Florida Home Builders Association.

GRAND AURORA AWARD

Category: ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME

Builder: MyGreenBuildings

Project:Siesta Key Beach Platinum, Sarasota

Team members: MyGreenBuildings; Sivitz Innovative Design; Florida Native Plant Nursery; Criteria Design; Pollux Photography.

AURORA AWARDS

Category: Energy Efficient Home

Builder: MyGreenBuildings

Project: Siesta Key Beach Platinum, Sarasota

Team members: MyGreenBuildings; Sivitz Innovative Design; Florida Native Plant Nursery; Criteria Design; Pollux Photography