Monday, June 15, 2009
Sustainable Design Concepts In New Home Contruction and Renovations
If you are planning to build a new home or renovate your current residence, there are concepts of sustainable design that should be considered before any project begins.
Passive solar utilizes the heat energy from the sun to warm rooms, provides natural light for space lighting and can be used to provide additional support or backup for household hot water systems.
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting rain water from roofs and other structures and storing for landscaping, irrigation, and gray water use.
For over the last nine years I have sold millions of dollars worth of Smart Home systems to the high-end residential home market. By high-end I mean that the bottom price of these residences are about $7,000,000.00 (counting property value).
These homes incorporated low-voltage control of HVAC, Lighting, Audio and Video Systems through-out controlled, with one-touch keypad (touch panel) technology.
I saw very little to almost no considerations for passive energy, natural lighting, water collection, and other easy to assimilate concepts of sustainable or green living designs.
Ask your Architect about his or her experience with sustainable, natural lighting, and energy saving designs for your new home construction or existing renovation. If he or she doesn't have any ideas to offer, talk to another. I have worked with many Architects and it is my experience that until they lose it (a potential project), they don't get it (new ideas and technologies).
It is only when we take a personal responsibility for the quality of our home, community and planet that change will occur. If you are planning to build a new home or renovate your current residence, there are concepts of sustainable design that should be considered before your project begins.
Brett
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I think these are excellent suggestions but I think you might compare and contrast a Lowe's or Home Depot offerings since these are the places millions of American's go for advise and supplies. What are they offering? Are either taking the issue of sustainability seriously? Who is doing a better job. Why not critique the alternatives and let people know what you've discovered?
ReplyDeleteAll very interesting but why don't you do a critique of Home Depot and Lowe's, since this is where most American's go to get advise, tools, materials, etc? Do either of these companies take sustainability seriously? Do they make a point of helping people who are taking small steps? You could provide people with insights into these brands and offer suggestions and alternatives.
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