The Green Way:
The principles of sustainable design take into consideration efficient energy and resource use at every stage of the home building process to include choosing a site, planning & design, choice of materials, construction, setting up home systems, landscaping, and the life cycle of the structure. Getting the structural system, energy design, and architectural style correct at this early point is fundamental to achieving a successful sustainable home.
Sometimes existing homes, buildings and structures can always be improved to be more environmentally friendly, where other times entirely new buildings are constructed using special materials and strategies that can play a big part in helping the environment.
Eco-friendly homes use design techniques such as strategically placed windows to allow for cross breezes and south facing orientation which allow for plenty of sunlight to heat rooms and inhibit the growth of mold. An ideal sustainable building is one that requires little fuel to heat or cool, operates on little or no outside electricity, and is healthy to live in.
Trace Tech Designs looks at positioning your home in such a way as to maximize nature's elements and to use them effectively to your benefit. It is essential to look at the individuality of a property and to incorporate the unique situations that are offered for the enhancement of a building's performance - sunlight, water, natural shading, prevailing winds and topography all become key factors in the decision of what kind of property to buy and what kind of house to build.
A dwelling must also fit the lifestyle of the occupants and, as opposed to designing a building for only its outward appearance, should take into consideration how to create spaces that bring comfort, security, happiness, and efficiency. Although technically not a part of the building infrastructure, energy efficient appliances are nonetheless a large part of what makes a home eco-friendly. In addition, interior furnishings and carpets that are made from recycled or natural materials such as cotton, wool, and seagrass help to reduce or eliminate emissions of noxious air pollutants. Leading home centers are now realizing the benefits of green building and are stocking items such as bamboo or engineered laminate flooring made from renewable resources and cellulose insulation made from 80% recovered post-consumer paper. Home centers that specialize in green building materials are also cropping up all over in response to the growing demand for eco-friendly homes.
Contact Tracey Ganert at Trace Tech Drafting if you have any questions.
