Green architecture is an eco-conscious approach to home building and design that aims to reduce the strain put on the environment. This includes how homes are built and outfitted as well as how they function, from the architecture to the building materials and the appliances inside. These green building choices minimize negative impacts on the environment, create homes that work smarter and more efficiently, and make the most of natural and sustainable resources. With green architecture, environmental considerations are just as integral as factors like cost or color. Learn more about the principles of green architecture.
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Climate change, a growing awareness of diminishing resources, and a desire to live more sustainably have brought environmentally conscious building to the forefront. But many of the concepts behind green architecture aren’t new. In fact, they’re very oldโas in ancient-civilization old. Before HVAC systems or even glass windows, living areas were built to produce natural airflow, maximize daylight, and rely on natural ways of heating and cooling.
Today, there are numerous opportunitiesโlarge and small, natural and technology-basedโfor making greener choices. Mary Homa, vice president and design consultant at P.E.A. Builders, a company specializing in sustainable building, shares five overarching design principles of green architecture.
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Consider the topography of the land. Can the house be built to take advantage of natural features? How can it be constructed with minimal harm to the natural habitat? This includes designing the house for the best orientation to the sun, specifically for windows and solar panels, for maximum heat and light. “In the north, we orient most of the living space (great room, kitchen, dining) to the southern exposure, with most windows on this side of the home,” says Homa.
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There are two facets to selecting green building materials. The first is choosing the best materials, including long-lasting materials that withstand wear and use. “Things like hardwood floors or well-built cabinetry that won’t have to be replaced in a few years,” says Homa. Or opt for materials that work harder to protect the home, like cool roof shingles that reflect heat in especially sunny areas. Secondly, source materials as locally as possible to reduce energy usage, carbon emissions, and even packaging that results from shipping.
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A “well thought-out floor plan that doesn’t waste space” is another key element of green architecture, according to Homa. An efficient layout is more effectively heated and cooled to save on energy over time. Plus, a right-sized (versus oversized) home saves on building materials and energy upfront. Layouts should also be designed to last, with universal design principles in mind, to avoid major renovations down the line.
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A home’s building envelope is a critical part of green architecture. “Think superior exterior wall systems, efficient windows, and lots of insulation,” says Homa. She recommends triple-pane fiberglass windows (or double-pane composite for cost savings), and high solar heat gain glass (or SHGC) on south windows in northern climates.
However, new, efficient windows make less of an impact if the rest of the home isn’t insulated, and the same is true for energy-efficient HVAC choices. This principle ensures the whole house is sealed so that climate control isn’t wasted by air leaking out of or into the home.
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Green architecture isn’t limited to natural materials. Homa points to things like photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, radiant flooring, and geothermal heating and cooling systems as technology to consider when building a home. Car chargers are another newer element Homa puts in this category. In many cases, green technology is about prioritizing renewable energy sources and making those resources accessible to the home now or in the future. “Every home that we build is solar ready; the PV can be installed at the time of the build or at a later date,” says Homa.
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Although many green architecture principles are implemented in foundational elements, green building doesn’t only apply to new builds. There are plenty of opportunities to make sustainable, eco-conscious choices in remodeling projects, too.
If you’re looking to remodel with sustainability in mind, Homa recommends numerous smaller projects that can make your house more efficient.
- Install an on-demand water heater. Also called tankless water heaters, these heat water immediately when engaged, so there’s no water wasted while waiting for the shower to get hot and no unnecessarily heating a large tank of water just so it’s available as needed.
- Improve the building envelope. Replace windows or add insulation to areas that need it.
- Update to energy-efficient LED light fixtures and bulbs.
- Add an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) or HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator). “We call this the “lungs of the home,” says Homa. These can be used to pre-heat or pre-cool air being brought into the home to reduce HVAC usage.
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Green architecture can also be discussed as green building, green design, or sustainable building. The terminology varies based on the type of project, the professionals involved, or even the local vernacular. When building green, here are a few terms to know:
ย ๐๐ข๐ซ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง is a concept that includes reusing, sharing, and upcycling building materials. Galvao gives the example of using locally-sourced reclaimed wood for building or in furniture, which diverts waste from the landfill.
A ๐ง๐๐ญ–๐ณ๐๐ซ๐จ ๐ก๐จ๐ฆ๐, or zero-energy home, produces as much power as is needed to run the house. For example, a house that generates power through solar panels and makes enough energy to run the enitre home.
A ๐ฉ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฆ๐ is a house built to need as little energy as possible. Not only does it produce its own power, but it also has an incredibly robust building envelope and design intended to minimize required energy usage.
๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ determine how energy efficient your home is by measuring how much air is entering and escaping your home.
There are also terms to note when looking for professionals to work with on green building projects. You might see ๐๐๐๐ (๐๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐ข๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ง) listed behind a builder or designer’s name with other professional credentials, in the description of a completed building project, or in the details of a design firm, architect, or builder. LEED recognizes energy-efficient building practices and projects that meet their energy-efficient standards. LEED is certified by the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), and there are multiple levels of certification. However, Homa notes that LEED is more prevalent in commercial design than residential design. There are many other green-related credentials you might encounter, including the National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Green Professional (CGP) certification.
Matney Construction, located in Mount Airy, Maryland, specializes in building new homes and residential remodeling. We know that the decision to build or remodel a home is no easy thing. As a family owned and operated business, we work closely with our clients to create their dream home, from custom floor plans and options, to bath and kitchen remodels. Whether itโs a single room or an entire home, we pride ourselves on meeting your quality standards, timeline and budget. Contact us today to have our professional design experts help you make your home unique, stylish, and in-tune with your personality.ย (410) 635-2500ย ย info@matneyservices.com
Source: https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/green-living/what-is-green-architecture/