the natural home working with what you’ve got. what is natural/green building? current...
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The Natural HomeWorking With What You’ve Got
What is Natural/Green Building?Current Definitions:
• Buildings made from natural materials (earth, straw, clay, stone) and/or recycled materials
• Superinsulated systems (ICFs, AAC, SIPs)• Super energy efficient systems• Building with few toxic chemicals and/or
synthetic mateirals• Buildings that use alternative sources of energy• Super-durable structures & components
Green Building: A combination of design elements and materials that take into account the impact of a building on its surroundings and inhabitants.
Whole Picture Includes:• Earth• Human Health• Energy (embodied & ongoing
use)• Availability of materials• Budget• Skills• Aesthetics• Other Values
Plan in accordance with your values
Make a list of green values in order of importance to you. Use this list when making decisions about your project.
Green Aspects of Remodeling/Retrofitting
• Much embodied energy already spent (foundation, structure)
• Materials can be re-used
• Site has already been disturbed and (possibly) restored
Challenges of existing homes in Silver City area
• Under-insulated• Single-pane windows• Little regard for solar
orientation• Small size• Generally outdated
A Green Project Needs a Green Budget
• Be Realistic!• Plan on $20-$100/sf
depending on use of space, + 12-20% contingency
• Include funds for special, beautiful elements
• Green building has more costs up-front, less cost long-term– Quality Materials: Do-
it-once
– Alternative Energy? Do your pay-back math.
Determine your priorities and needs
• Occupant Health (non-toxic, non-emitting materials)
• Energy Efficiency (tight envelope)
• Natural Materials (earth, straw, stone, wood)
• Consider relationships between priorities
Solutions for staying within Budget
• Consider YOUR needs, not the next owner’s
• Design multi-purpose spaces
• Shift use with the seasons
• Practice resource conservation
Super-cheap Heat & Cool
• Basic Principle: Let sun in or keep sun out– Use shade cloth in summer
(without replacing windows)
– Trap cool air in summer– Clay plaster adds thermal
mass to any wall
• Alternative heat sources--our climate is well suited for efficient wood & pellet stoves
Do-It-Yourself
• Don’t underestimate the power of resurfacing
• Paint, plaster, refinish floors
• Your labor will help you afford better materials
Resurfacing, cont’d:Using what you have
• Keep material out of the landfill
• Save money by making what you’ve got into something you love!
Reuse existing elements of home
• Especially wood, concrete, stone
• Re-Store is a good source for other items
• Great DIY activities
Silver City ReStoreHabitat for Humanity
Think small(er)
• Smaller spaces cost less total and use less resources
• Augment small indoor spaces with outdoor space
• Outdoor spaces cost less
• Create habitat to offset building
• Grow food for inhabitants
Your Green Home
• View your remodel as a process--do things right, do them once, do what you love
• Make energy efficiency upgrades, but also find solutions in the meantime
• Use our climate to your advantage--extend your living space, interact with your home to keep it comfortable.