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Sustainability ...
With knowledge comes responsibility.
As our knowledge of how to build more sustainably evolves, so too does our duty to incorporate one or several of the following approaches into the homes we build today.
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Traditional Building Systems
With a tradition centuries old in Europe and America, and over a thousand years old in Japan, crafting the frame of a structure from whole logs or timbers can be a decidedly “green” choice. Locally sourced –harvested and transported in a radius of less than 100 miles –is remarkably responsible. So too, the employment of local craftsmen and women who take pride in shaping and preparing wood into architectural shapes to last generations. |
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Advanced Building Systems
Several building systems have been developed, or have evolved, in recent years which are worthy of serious consideration for your next home building project.
SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) are a superb choice for a highly‐ efficient home envelope. Typically constructed of a central foam core adhered to outer layers of wood structural sheathing, the “R value” per inch of foam tells less than half the true story.
SIPs are fabricated, and installed, in an air‐tight manner. This means that air‐leakage (convection) energy losses are dramatically reduced. Thermal‐bridge energy losses through framing members are also substantially reduced with these insulated wall and roof panel systems. |
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SIPs offer a number of other advantages, including improved structural quality control, and reduced on‐site construction waste.
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ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms) are a variety of concrete construction. They represent a site‐built wall system of two foam layers –an interior and an exterior layer – encasing a core of poured, reinforced concrete.
While the thickness of the foam and thickness of the concrete core varies by manufacturer of ICF block, the fundamental energy efficiency of ICF construction arises from: 1.) stability of the concrete core thermal mass, relative to fluctuating ambient air temperatures; and, 2.) substantial reduction in air‐leakage (convection) energy losses.
ICF construction offers additional benefits, including greater resistance to wall structural damage caused by high winds, as well as reduced sound transmission through the wall system.
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Self‐Sufficient Energy Solutions
Passive
Site selection, solar orientation, thermal mass, super‐insulated envelope construction, fresh‐air tempering, and building component integration are all key factors to consider when planning passive home heating and cooling.
Active
From solar thermal and geothermal, to solar electric (photovoltaic) and wind‐derived electric, we have local, knowledgeable resources to provide answers and solutions. |
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