Green home
design
What does Green Home Design really mean?
We at Art Guy Design believe it is consideration
for form, space and dwelling while utilizing techniques and materials,
either reclaimed or recycled, so that a house fits the land and does
minimal damage to the environment. Green can apply to a structure
in several ways - Use of Technology (photovoltaic
solar cells, high SEER HVAC, CFLs, thermal pane windows); Use
of Materials (permeable material driveway, e-crete block); Use
of Resources (passive solar cells, water reclamation, use
of local materials, gray water irrigation) ; and Use
of Common Sense (structure orientation, below ground return
air, duct work within the insulated building envelope, cross ventilation,
passive heating, natural lighting, natural landscape.)
When should Green Home Design be utilized?
Although Green Home Design (aka Sustainable
Design) is all the rage these days, we tend to take a sensible approach
in that the use of green building materials and sustainable architecture
must make sense for the project and the client’s budget.
Is your house too big?
Recently, a well-known architect, in regard
to the proliferation of large homes being built at a staggering rate,
made the the following statement: "In twenty years, they will
all be gone." We hope his prophesy is correct. These homes are
too big and not thoughtfully or efficiently designed or built. By
utilizing space creatively, there is no need for these ten thousand
square foot McMansions. Homes need to be designed to afford flexible
spaces. Most of us don't use or need a formal dining room, as the
kitchen has become the heart of the home. Kitchens, then, should
open up into a great room/living area so that entertaining can be
a pleasant exchange of ideas and conversation while the host prepares
a meal. The Victorian concept of the massive entrance and living
room must be re-evaluated. Spaces that are rarely used or poorly
used, such as foyers that only serve as transition areas, can be
re-defined or eliminated.
It is past time to re-assess our day-to-day life-style so that we are
not dependent on foreign resources. This may mean that we make sacrifices
in the years ahead such as building smaller homes and driving automobiles
that consume less energy. The idea of commonplace excess is rapidly
becoming antiquated.
What is the LEED Green Building Rating
System?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable
construction. Clearly, this system is a positive and functional means
to define and identifying the extent of sustainability in building
design However, We believe that there is no “check box” for
a common sense in architectural design.
What are some sensible ways we can utilize
Green Home Design?
• Orientation of the home to suitably
take advantage of the sun. If a home faces south, proper overhangs
can be utilized to allow the sun to flow inside during the winter
months, but also offer shade during the summer months.
• Reduction of water usage through the reclamation of rain water and the
appropriate use of gray water.
• Reduction of energy dependence through the use of solar or wind generated
power.
• Use of natural materials in construction such as earth, wood, straw bale,
bamboo, and concrete.
• Utilizing salvaged and recycled materials such as bamboo, cork, natural
fiber carpets, recycled wood, concrete flooring and countertops, green countertop
laminates made from recycled plastics, locally mined natural stone, recycled
terrazzo, metal tiles, recycled glass, and even recycled currency.
• Reduction of the heat island effect (common in the desert) through the
use of top-of-building vegetation and thick, natural close to the structure.
Why is Green Home Design important?
It is clear to us that we are heading towards
Peak Oil and that we should be more mindful of our environment and
precious resources. The consequences of our excesses may be upon
us before we know it. The time is now to build or renovate utilizing
these concepts as much as it makes sense for the project.
How can you, the consumer, make your
home and your lifestyle more earth-friendly or eco-wise?
You don’t have to chuck your house in
the city, move to the countryside and build from the ground up in
order to live with more consideration for the environment. Here are
some tips on living green and creating a more sustainable lifestyle:
• Get yourself a canvas grocery bag – think about all the plastic
and paper bags that are wasted after trips to the grocery store. If this is the
only thing you do, you will significantly reduce the amount of grocery bags that
end up in landfills.
• Reduce, re-use, recycle. Participate in your community’s recycling
program or start one if need be.
• As your appliances age and need to be replaced, use energy efficient
models. We tend to think too short term. A more efficient air conditioner may
cost more, but it will save you money over the long term.
• Use the cold setting on your washing machine. Most clothes don’t
need warm water to be clean.
• Replace your old single pane windows with energy efficient, low-e, double
pane windows. Not only will you be more comfortable, your electricity bill will
decrease and your home will look great. If you can’t afford to replace
your windows, calk around them. This will help reduce air leakage.
• Put ceiling fans in every room in your house. Ceiling fans circulate
the air making the room seem cooler. We can’t do without ceiling fans in
Arizona
• As you need to replace flooring in your home, use renewable resources
such as bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood
• Plant low-water shade trees on the west side of your home. Shade is so
important in Arizona and can reduce your electric bill dramatically
• Replace all your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact florescent
light bulbs). This not only reduces heat in your home, it decreases energy usage.
• Combine errands and trips when driving. Ask yourself it’s really
necessary to drive all the way across town for an errand. Carpool, ride your
bike, buy an energy-efficient car.
Art Guy design would love to assist you with
your home project utilizing green home design as it makes sense for
your project. We can design and build your home in the Scottsdale,
Phoenix area, or we can assist you with design if you live outside
Arizona.
Contact Art Guy today to set up an appointment.
Three ways to contact
us:
Call Dana, the Art Guy at: 480-235-4532
Email: dana@artguydesign.com
Snail Mail: 6350 N. 78th St Suite
259, Scottsdale Arizona 85250
