New green building also floats

SARASOTA — Carlson Studio Architecture, a locally based design firm, created the plans for the first-ever floating building to be LEED-certified.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program is run by the U.S. Green Building Council, and recognizes environmentally friendly innovations in the construction industry.

Sarasota-based Carlson designed a new operations office for the Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina on Lake Mohave. The resort is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, one of the most popular national parks in the U.S.

Carlson's headquarters are located at 1613 Fruitville Road. Architect Michael Carlson is the company's lead executive. In 2009, Carlson designed the HGTV Green Home, an annual feature for the popular television station that attracts millions of viewers.