Going Green: Building A House With Sustainable House Plans

Years ago the idea of building a home with green principles seemed a bold investment. Now that everyone and every organization in the world unites to find ways to lessen global warming, the same idea has made a great impact on the Home Building Industry especially in Australia. Thus, almost all home builders including Melbourne home builders are now building a sustainable home.

Presently, Urbanedge Homes is recognized as one of the top eco builders known for building a house with sustainable long term modern home designs and green principles without compromising style and architecture.

Their GreenSmart Homes have already attracted the fantasies of new home buyer’s dream of building an eco friendly home while at the same time offers timeless elegance and sophistication. On top of these features, Urbanedge GreenSmart Homes are built in sustainable modern home designs and green principle house plans which can reduce water and energy usage.

Thus, these Eco friendly homes demonstrate improved energy, resource and water efficiency, which in turn reduces household running costs and greenhouse gas emissions into the environment. By building a GreenSmart new home, home owners can reap long-term benefits such as lower energy and water bills, for years to come.

With the rising cost of energy and the need to conserve our precious resources, a sustainable home is becoming a highly favorable and more economical option when it comes to building a new home. With GreenSmart home buyers will not only achieve an environmentally responsible home that is cleaner and healthier for their family to live in. They will also be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with cheaper running costs.

To know more about GreenSmart homes, visit Urbanedge Homes display homes and display centres throughout Melbourne. Or log on to http://www.urbanedgehomes.com.au/greensmart.aspx for more information.

About the Author:
A computer professional who works on the internet helping Urbanedge Homes increase its viewers through optimization. For world class Eco builders visit us online at www.urbanedgehomes.com.au

Why Housing Associations Should Consider Rainwater Harvesting

Housing associations who want to meet the guidelines of the Code for Sustainable Homes and to apply these high environmental standards to the homes they already have, this is a tough challenge. Even though there are a lot of choices on the market to increase a property's green credentials, using rainwater instead of mains water whenever possible is a choice that housing associations should think about more readily.

Half of the 160 litres that we use daily does not have to be quality drinking water. Use rainwater from the roof to supply outdoors, WCs and washing machines. A decreased usage of mains water is, after all, one of the required elements of the Code for new housing and cannot be side-stepped: 105 litres daily per person for level 3 and 4, & for level 5 and 6, 80 litres. So far the tendency has been to use water efficient appliances alone to meet the lower code levels and not consider rainwater harvesting until meeting levels 5 and 6.

However, now it is being realised that it makes sense to use rainwater harvesting from the start, in conjunction with water-efficient appliances. The official NGO, Waterwise, recommends changing behaviour as the best way to decrease mains consumption, however experience shows us that there are consumers who are not happy with small-size baths or low pressure tap flow. It is important not to put people off saving on mains water. Using rainwater is the way to do this.

=> The Code for Sustainable Homes Requirements.

The Code's water calculator formula for working out how to reach the daily litre consumption has been amended to mirror the new requirements of Part G of the Building Regulations, due next year.

An experienced builder and plumber can easily install a rainwater harvesting system without any specialist knowledge. The main components are the tank, pump, filter and mains back up. It's cheaper and easier to install a rainwater harvesting system in new-builds or major renovation projects rather than in a retrofit. In a new-build, depending upon the size of the tank and the type of mains back up accessory chosen, the cost of equipment for a 3- to 4-bedroom house typically ranges between £2,000 and £3,000. In a retrofit, however, installation costs would be another £1,000-£2,000 as it may involve additional manpower or equipment. Tank sizes for normal domestic use average between 2,700 and 6,500 litres and tanks should be put underground to keep water fresher. Tanks that are shared by multiple dwellings are possible, but ideally systems should supply each individual dwelling unit.

=> Rainwater Harvesting Systems.

Rainwater can either be pumped from the main storage tank directly to WCs, washing machine and outdoor taps, or to a small header tank in the roof space where it gravity feeds to where it is needed. The indirect system is preferred when used with Rain Director. For example, whenever a WC is flushed or the pressure drops in a direct system, the pump is activated. With a Rain Director in an indirect system, the pump only works when the rainwater header tank is completely empty, thus saving 8 times energy use and also prolonging pump life.

To comply with cross-contamination Building Regulations and avoid the possibility of a rainwater backflow into the mains network, plumbers have to make sure that there is an air break if they include a mains back-up device. Some rainwater harvesting suppliers now provide mains back-up kits where this air break is taken care of (by including a tundish, for example). In addition, the pipework has to be clearly marked as to whether it is rainwater or mains.

About the Author:
Rainwater Harvesting Limited supplies rainwater harvesting storage tanks, filters, pumps & management systems for private homes and businesses. Need important technical information and advice and thousands of product specifications? Go to http://www.rainwaterharvesting.co.uk . Download the rainwater harvesting tank size calculator at http://www.rainwaterharvesting.co.uk/calculator.php

Tiny House Design Video - 8x20 Solar House

Sustainable Landscape Design

Sustainable landscape design is all about the balance of both natural and mad-made elements that would allow a homeowner to feel at east, knowing that the plants would survive and can be maintained. In a way it's like observing ants in an ant farm, but it involves a little more interaction with people who wish to keep a healthy garden or patio the way it should be. This practice is common even in real estate development, making sure the ecology of the land would not be harmed in the most damaging way possible, and it can also work with gardens as well.

To understand the design is to know how much plants or area for a patio is needed in order to create a well-balanced yard or house. It may be something like decorating, but there is science involved. Most gardeners would know when a number of plants in a garden would be too much that sunlight would no longer reach the ground, thus losing the much needed nutrients that can only come from the sun itself. The same thing with other smaller plants that would be covered by the taller ones.

Another aspect when it comes to the design is the usage as well as construction, where contractors who specialized in the field would use and identify the kinds of hazardous wastes that would upset the natural balance on most gardens. Of course it doesn't mean the waste would be harmful to humans, but will not ruin the garden ecology in a tremendous way.

There are other projects that this field also produces. One such example is the usage of alternative fuels and energy such as solar panels. This may sound extreme for most people, but for conservationist as well as those who are aware of the resources that is wasted on a daily basis about the need to protect natural resources.

Sustainable landscape design is a science that helps protect both homeowner and the environment to be in harmony with each other, and in the recent years have been sought after by hundreds of homeowners with regards to protecting their home as well as their lawns and gardens in the future. It may be the first step, but eventually would be recognized and accepted by a majority of Americans who wished to have a more ecological-friendly home.

For landscape design ideas, visit http://www.landscapingideas101.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Lee

Going Green With Commercial Real Estate

Investing in a facility that adheres to green building standards and performance efficiency is a smart and responsible decision. When considering the value energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings can bring to the commercial real estate market, it seems as if going green is the wisest of investments. The practice of "going green" has been gaining popularity within the last decade.

It is more important than ever to ensure we are doing all we can to lessen mankind's harmful impact on the environment, and the government is offering tax incentives to those who take on environmental challenges with green building practices. Our society as a whole has changed the way it sees building, living and working. That's why living and building "green" is more attractive than ever to both residential and commercial real estate investors. Green building design consultants can help a facility reach its efficiency goals. Green design can alleviate and reduce exposure to toxic materials, as well as ensure the conservation of non-renewable materials and energy.

When it comes to green facility construction, a green design consultant will make sure the building process minimizes the ecological impact of building as well as oversee the construction to guarantee the protection of local water, soil, air, plants and wildlife. When designing a green facility, it is important to take into account the lifestyles of those who will be using the building. Make sure the facility offers support of transportation alternatives, such as walking, mass transit, biking and alternative fuels. Incorporating design features that will make it easier for commuters who use non-traditional transportation is a responsible and modern necessity.

Of course, you'll want to utilize non-renewable energy and recycled, environmentally friendly materials in your building. Many wonderful decorations and practical applications can be made out of the abundance of recycled plastic and rubber. Plastic and rubber are extremely durable, but not very environmentally friendly. It is a wise choice to use the recycled plastic and rubber, however, because otherwise it would end up sitting in a landfill for thousands of years. And, by using recycled materials, it eliminates the need to create new, un-degradable plastic.

You may think that going green and increasing building performance efficiency would cost a lot of money. While this has been the case in the past, it is becoming more and more cost effective. In fact, green design and building often costs the same as traditional building methods. And with all the money that can be saved through efficiency and recycling, green building can actually cost far less than traditional methods over the long run. Corporations and businesses are far more likely to invest in a green building if they know it will increase their bottom line.

If you consider the long-term maintenance and energy costs, using green and energy efficient products and designs will significantly increase profitability. As green building continues to gain popularity, tax incentives will increase. It's easy see how green design and construction will pay for itself as times goes on.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of Servidyne. The commercial and industrial building experts can help you manage your building's energy-efficiency while lowering operating costs. From consultations to energy audits and even to installation of a CMMS system that will keep tabs on your building maintenance and energy output for years to come. For more information on their Green Building Consultant please visit their website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Budda_Oliver

Finding Information About Green Communities

Green housing communities and residential buildings will continue to grow by large multiples over the next several years in the United States. McGraw-Hill Companies predict that the market share of green new construction be as large as 20% of all home starts and worth up to $70 billion by 2012. This sustainable housing market is selling strong despite the economic downturn since consumers recognize that the energy efficiency gains can amount to serious monthly savings. The danger is that "green" is a term used widely and is largely unregulated when developers promote their communities. Consumers are finding it more difficult to navigate the "green" housing market, oftentimes finding homes that claim to be green really aren't. This is called "greenwashing", a trend we will certainly see grow in the coming years. Fortunately, there have been several organizations which have created standards which measure all communities against the same benchmark. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has emerged as the most widely accepted. LEED assigns a rating to a home or neighborhood of Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. The rating is based on a set of six widely reaching principals designed to assess the environmental friendliness of the community. www.GreenHousingDevelopments.com has created a national website which displays information about many of the nation's leading green developments in a non biased and easy to understand way. Interested consumers can confidently research different green communities and compare the ones which they like best for their green features. Features which are displayed for each community include Price, home type, heating and cooling systems, windows and plumbing used, access to transportation and much more. Through the website, interested consumers can request a brochure, floor plans, or MLS listings from green agents in each geographical area.

About the Author:
This article is written by Luke Blahnik for Green Housing Developments. Get information about USA green homes for sale from Green Housing Developments.

Today's Sustainable Design Home Plans

In today's world, it is important to make many considerations when designing a home. Going green is vital to our future and today's sustainable design home plans reflect this need.

Sustainable home design is defined as the philosophy of designing a home with its environment and services focused with emphasis on economic, social and ecological responsibility providing a minimal environmental impact.

When designing a sustainable home, it is an integrated design process between the architect, engineers, and design team and of course, their client at all stages on construction. From the site selection, design formation, material selected and how they are procured on up to their implementation.

The following are some options for sustainable design home plans. These include some building designs that have been in existence for quite a while and are now being reconsidered due to their beneficial nature.

Passive solar home. These homes can be heated almost entirely by the sun or can have south-facing windows that provide a fraction of the heating. The key to designing a sustainable passive solar home is to take advantage of the climate where you live and customize your home to maximize its benefits.

Earthships/Rammed Earth. An earthship house is made up of rammed earth and tires. When constructing this home, the tires are stacked like bricks with dirt packed in each tire firmly. Once the tires are packed, they create a strong and quite thick wall. These walls help make these dwellings energy efficient by storing heat and releasing it slowly. By doing this, the interior temperature is kept more constant. Another good feature is that these homes are fire and insect resistant.

Adobe. A more familiar option is adobe, which is actually the name of the construction material rather than the design. These homes are typically found in dry climates and the bricks are made with tightly compacted earth, clay, and straw. These natural components make this construction eco-friendly. A similar style of sustainable home design is a Cob House. Like adobe construction, the materials comprise of clay-like lumps of soil, sand, and straw. However, this material is not made into bricks but can be sculpted into the form desired.

Underground homes. These homes are also called Earth Sheltered Homes. These dwellings are characterized by being located mostly under the surface of the ground. By being underground, the home has natural insulation, making it energy efficient and inexpensive to heat and cool. Most homes are located on a hillside with good drainage. To provide more light, the windows may be oriented in a south direction or a skylight may be added.

Whatever your choice for a sustainable design home plan, you are guaranteed a unique home with energy efficiency and character. You can be happy that your impact on the environment is much less than with traditional wood-frame home construction. The eco-friendly nature of your home and the money saved in the long run make your choice to build a sustainable home the right one.

About the Author:
Whether you need architectural drawings in Toronto or Toronto drafting services, we offer professional drafting and project management services for any of your Home Improvement, Renovation, Building or Construction projects, and BCIN in Toronto.

Accessorize Your Green Home With Energy Efficient Window Treatments

In an age of increasing environmental awareness, resource conservation, and ever rising energy costs, why not accessorize your home with energy efficient window treatments and enjoy the multiple benefits of this responsible and conscientious option. Since windows account for approximately 30-50% of all heat loss or gain, taking advantage of the many more efficient choices will not only contribute to reduced home energy bills both in summer and winter, but will also assist in maintaining a more comfortable and consistent indoor temperature.

Thermal curtains, cellular or solar shades, wood blinds, or shutters can help insulate your home in the winter, repel heat in the summer, reduce glare while working or watching TV, and protect against damaging ultra violet rays that can fade upholstery, furnishings, and flooring. And since energy efficient window treatments usually provide more complete coverage, you will also appreciate the extra bonus of their privacy, security, and sound-reducing benefits.

Room darkening and energy efficient window coverings were often avoided because they were heavy or bulky and, though they served an indisputable purpose, they offered very little style or character. However, amazing new technologies have found ways of creating energy conserving window treatments that are lighter, practical, stylish, and affordable.

Whether you want cozy comfort or modern pizzazz, classic durability or trendy flamboyance, room darkening for sleeping or sound deadening for studying, energy efficient window coverings are available in a variety of styles that will appeal to your pocketbook without compromising your decor. And making the switch to more efficient window treatments also benefits the environment, reducing the demand for energy and dramatically decreasing the by products created by heating and air conditioning. You can even appease your inner environmentalist by purchasing some of the many eco-friendly products made from recycled materials, chemical free ingredients, and long-life components; thus, reducing landfill waste.

While energy efficient window treatments are a wise choice for both the environmentally and financially conscious, not all products are created equal. New and improved technologies have increased our options and helped make practical choices more attractive; however, since a significant investment is usually required, it is important to make educated and well informed decisions.

With words like R-value, UV transmittance, shading coefficient, and solar reflectance, shopping for the energy efficient can become overwhelming, But don’t let that deter you. A little research and a few brief discussions with window treatment experts will assist you in making the best selection for your home.

Whether you go with simple and easy to clean shutters, elegant and fashionable curtains, or sleek and sophisticated blinds, energy efficient window treatments are both beautiful and manageable, allowing you to control everything from decor to indoor temperature to heating and air-conditioning costs.

Become a green-conscious consumer today. The benefits are amazing! You will realize the immediate perks of a more comfortable home and a less stressed budget, and you will be doing your part in protecting the environment. Energy conservation and cost reduction never looked so good! Not only will your home be beautiful, but both your wallet and planet earth will thank you.

About the Author:
With years of experience in window treatments and design consultation, Mary Hamilton offers insight and tips on choosing and installing window coverings, hardware, and accessories for your home at http://www.window-treatment-pro.com and includes creative solutions and professional information on the latest energy efficient window treatments available for the environmentally conscientious consumer.

Article Source:
ArticlesBase.com - Accessorize Your Green Home with Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Green Roofing With Bluegrass - LEEDS Certification Leads To Innovative Roof Design

Heating and cooling a building is an important design consideration for any building. Construction of a LEED Certified green building opens the doors to many interesting and growing choices. In Louisville Kentucky in the NuLu district a building was built to meet the Platinum standard for LEEDS certification. With innovative designs and Louisville air conditioning service available for seldom needed Louisville air conditioning repair, this building will be a model for other green design buildings. A big component of designing a green building and reducing the demand for air conditioning is the design of the roof. Other elements include the construction design and materials used for the windows. Constructing a building to reduce its energy demand is a challenging and exciting project. Several strategies are employed in the design and construction phase. Some of the strategies that went into the Green Building in the NuLu district of Louisville are helpful touchstones in understanding green design.

Cities tend to be heat islands, absorbing and emitting heat that raises the temperature several degrees higher then the surrounding rural areas. Finding ways to reduce the absorption and subsequent dispersion of heat energy is an essential component in designing a building that contributes to sustainable living. One of the simplest ways of reducing absorption is simply painting the exposed parts of roofs a light color. Black tar roofs in Louisville can reach 170 degrees in the summer. By painting them a reflective color the temperature is reduced, the building requires less cooling and the local aggregate temperature is reduced aiding in the cooling of the heat island.

A truly green roof consists of dirt and grass. This is an old form of roof building that uses the wisdom of ancient builders. Dirt roofs with grass offer several important features. The earthen foundation is cooling and insulating, making it effective in both winter and summer. The grass on the roof offers a cooling surface as well. One of the other benefits is in the water absorption of the roof. A common problem in cities is the vast water runoff that accompanies a rain storm. Most surfaces drop the water immediately into the storm system. A grass and dirt roof absorbs the water letting it seep out over several days, and reducing the amount of run off as the grass holds the moisture.

There are many benefits to creating and installing a green roof. There are some reports that indicate a green roof can cut heating and cooling costs by as much as 20 to 30 percent in a one story building. It can also increase the longevity of a roof by reducing the impact of UV rays on membranes and increasing the waterproofing capabilities. Green roofs can also act as a noise buffering system. Another obvious benefit is the conversion of carbon dioxide into oxygen by the plants on the roof.

There are many reasons to consider a green roof when renovating or designing a building. Some considerations are the additional weight that the earth may require. The weight should be estimated with maximum water absorption considered. Beyond the contribution to a more sustainable way of building, green roofs can be aesthetically pleasing.

Connor Sullivan recently contacted a Louisville air conditioning repair specialist to fix a problem at his office. He scheduled a Louisville air conditioning service specialist to repair his parent's air conditioner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connor_R_Sullivan

Why Floor Sanding Is Sustainable

Floor sanding is an excellent method to transform a room or rooms in a house where old wooden floors have been hidden under carpets. Wooden floors can be restored to their natural beauty making them a feature of the house, and actually increasing the value of your property in many instances. There are various necessary stages that a floor sanding london company will do such as block sanding, the replacement of damaged boards, repairing any cracks, dents or stains and refinishing the floor in laquer, oil or wood stain. Depending on how warm you want the room to feel or if you prefer to go for a light and airy look, there are numerous choices of stains available to suit your chosen finish.

So although many people choose the option of floor sanding for the potential beauty they can achieve with this method, some people are also aware and influenced by the sustainability of their choice.

From a health perspective there is more and more infomation coming to light about the potentially unhealthy effects of carpets and PVC flooring, both of which are two of the most popular choices in Great Britain. In the case of carpets they are a comfortable home for dust which in turn means a build up of dust-mite allergen as well as pet allergena dn also toxic pollutants. PVC holds toxic pollutants also. Animal owners will especially appreciate the issues with carpets as anyone who has had a puppy or kitten will remember the very difficult to destroy stench that remains in a carpet, therefore illustrating how easily other unhealthy things could continue to reside there!

It is indeed a good thing that awareness is growing especially for those with young families who do not need their children to suffer unnecessary health complaints which could be eliminated by taking up the old carpet and deciding to have a floor sanding company in to do the job. One organisation that is championing the awareness cause is the Healthy Flooring Network, which is a group who are concerned about allergies, asthma and other health issues potentially affected by certain types of flooring.

Of course apart from the health sustainability of floor sanding there is the environmental and cultural sustainability to consider. It does not require a lot of common sense to realise that when you take up your old carpets and restore the wooden floor below you are of course recycling. Bearing in mind these days that 80% of our ancient forests have already been destroyed and our remaining 20% is under serious threat from illegal logging. On top of this there are approximately 1.6 billion people who depend on these forests for their livelihood. In case this was not enough to convince you there are the serious effects of de-forestation, with the loss of bio-diversity which is continually adding to the worldwide climate changes.

Floor sanding can add value to your home, while letting you and your family feel healthier living in a cleaner environment. You should also sleep better at night, partly due to a lighter, clearer concscience but also the air quality in your home will be improved, as these floors are then easily maintained and cleaned.

About the Author: Jackie de Burca is co-owner Creative Web Advertising, which is an International internet media consultancy specialising in Pay Per Click, SEO and web consulting. Contact Westend Flooring Masters for floor sanding london for an excellent result.

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Greener Interior Design - Where To Buy Sustainable Decorative Materials?

Green interiors: Where to by sustainable decorative materials,
finishes, surfaces and flooring

Decorating homes with the environment and health in mind can be done without any loss of style Although we understand the health benefits of eating natural or organic food, perversely we have been slow to recognize that how we decorate our homes can also affect our wellbeing. Modern paints, for example, are typically made from vinyl resins and petrochemicals. These not only ‘out-gas’ volatile organic compounds (VOCs) but being non-porous prevent walls from breathing turning rooms into plastic boxes. Non-toxic, breathable finishes – using linseed oil, natural pigments and minerals, and even milk, say – rival and often surpass their modern counterparts for longevity, colour depth and finishes. To partner these, there are masses of stylish options for natural or eco floorings, like linoleum or coir and seagrass matting, and surfaces and wall coverings using recycled glass or old Wellington boots, would you believe it?

Surfaces Dapple Glass www.dappleglass.com
Shimmering accent tiles created from glass cullet to resemble crushed jewels.

DURAT www.durat.com
A tactile, solid-surface material available in an extensive range of speckled colours. Designed for worktops and tabletops it can also be cast into basins, shower trays and baths. Made with 50% recycled plastic it is itself 100% recyclable.

Eight Inch www.eightinch.co.uk
Jazzy, hardwearing composite material made from 85% recycled glass chips and solvent-free resins. Available in numerous color combinations and aggregate sizes it can be cast into practically any shape or used as a seamless flooring screed.

Energywise Recycled Glass www.energywiserecycledglass.co.uk
Recycled glass tiles available plain or patterned in clear, blue, green or amber.

Smile Plastics www.smile-plastics.co.uk
Fun sheet materials suitable for flooring, worktops and cladding and the like, ingeniously recycled from Wellington boots, squeezy bottles, yoghurt pots, bank notes, reject toothbrushes and crisp packets.

Smith & Wareham www.smithandwareham.co.uk
Recycled glass mosaic tiles in 16 colours.

Flooring

Concept Carpets www.concept-carpet.co.uk
Luxurious tufted carpets made in Britain with Jacob wool. Free from bleaching agents, chemical dyes and insect and stain repellents, the Jacob’s Velvet comes in three natural colors – cream, pewter and dark brown – as well as five attractive marled versions.

Dalsouple www.dalsouple.com
DalNaturel is a ‘new generation’ natural rubber floor covering featuring over 90% natural ingredients (most ‘rubber’ flooring is actually made from SBR, a petrochemical by-product).

Forbo-Nairn www.forbo-flooring.co.uk
Retro-style Marmoleum flooring is made from linseed oil, chalk, wood flour, and pine resin. Available in a wide selection of plain and marbled colours, it comes as both a 200cm wide sheet and as a tile (333 by 333mm square).

Kersaint Cobb www.kersaintcobb.co.uk
Natural coir, jute, seagrass and sisal floor coverings backed with natural latex.

Panda Flooring www.pandaflooring.co.uk
‘Hardwood’ flooring made from bamboo, the most environmentally friendly plant resource on account of its growth rate.

Siesta Cork Tile www.siestacorktiles.co.uk
Insulating, noise-absorbing, flexible cork floor and wall tiles made from harvestable tree bark in numerous colours, thicknesses and finishes.

The Waveney Rush Industry www.waveneyrush.co.uk
Sweet-smelling carpets and matting handmade from natural, renewable rush fibre.

Paints and Finishes Auro www.auroorganic.co.uk
Gloss and eggshell for woodwork and various wall paints as well as a huge range of wood stains, waxes, oils, decorating adhesives, fillers and even paint stripping paste, all free from petrochemicals.

Francesca’s Paints www.francescaspaint.com
Traditional lime wash (interior and exterior), ‘chalky’ emulsion, flat oil, eggshell, gloss, masonry and water-based, breathable ‘eco emulsion’ paints, all tinted with natural pigments and mixed by hand in 146 shades.

Georgina Barrow Natural Paints www.naturalpaints.org.uk
Matt, water-based emulsion and interior and exterior eggshell paints in 30 muted colours

Precious Earth www.preciousearth.co.uk
Environmentally friendly, low-impact finishes and flooring outlet in Ludlow offering a specialist design consultancy.

Ray Munn www.raymunn.com
Stockists of the Beckers range of eco-friendly paints, varnishes and finishes from Sweden, which offers a computerized colour-matching service.

Contemporary furniture for the home. Storage, shelving and home office furniture, offering contemporary style and sustainability www.ottofurniture.com. Further information on eco furniture, eco designers and eco-retailers is available on this site.

About the Author: Contemporary furniture for the home. Storage, shelving and home office furniture, offering contemporary style and sustainability http://www.ottofurniture.com. Further information on eco furniture, eco designers and eco-retailers is available on this site.

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Shipping Container Homes Are Ecological And Sustainable

Have you ever considered looking into shipping container homes? If the answer is yes, then you are in for a real surprise. For starters, shipping container homes are the most environmentally stable and sound form of home development on the market today.

Using only a tiny percentage of the typical materials to build most standard homes, costs and labor to actually create one of these is astounding compared to constant price increases of your average house today.

The overall structural strength of a shipping container allows the builder to develop multi-story dwellings, offering a larger living space without expanding its footprint. The heavy corrugated steel framing allows the unit to withstand 65,000 lbs of stacked weight.

It has been estimated that 86% of the materials used to build a shipping container home have been recycled. Also, the main foundation design is not as expensive and uses a fraction of material which is much quicker to assemble.

If you are concerned about the transportation infrastructure of these containers, no need to worry because it already exists, so the container homes can be easily moved by train, ship or truck, thus reducing major transport time.

Everything needed to complete the final product is delivered in one trip. An investment is already made by not having to pay extra money for several deliveries and separate construction materials.

Many people today have explored the possibility of getting a shipping container home. With a little research on the internet, you will be amazed at what is available today. The cost of regular constructed houses are sky rocketing as we speak. Even the materials being used are getting cheaper and seem to not last as long as they once did in the past. With the money you can save by investing into a container home, a bright future is in store for you.

Anyone who would like more information on shipping container homes, please visit my site below.
Container Homes

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How To Build A Sustainable Kitchen Design

There is a looming reality taking place in the society today. Increasing concerns on global warming and rising energy prices are on the loose, and so, the concept of high-performance homes and sustainable designs are considered to be urgent issues. The need for more energy-efficient utility and facility designs is inevitable.

A home's energy and conservation points are located within the house itself. A large part of domestic costs are from maintenance, service, and energy. Reports on energy analysis have shown that homes together with buildings, commercial establishments, and facilities contribute tremendous consumption of resources especially energy, which accounts nearly 40 - 60% of the total consumption. Lighting, refrigeration, plumbing, and fire-fighting facilities represent the largest percentage of structural energy demand. Because of the impact on energy, it is important that efficient facility designs are integrated into a home or building.

These things when left unattended can wreak havoc not only to the structure's life cycle but more importantly on its operation and maintenance cost. With this, it is not surprising why homeowners do not just entrust facilities design to ordinary contractors. They assign it to the best professionals in town who can weave in all aspects and engineer the whole into a fine working specimen that can breathe efficiently for years to come.

Considering the many parts of a home, the kitchen is considered to be one of the most important sections. This is where the family's food are being stored, prepared, and cooked.

Hence, it is important to maintain safety and security at all times to ensure harmonious work in the area. Additionally, this is where most of the appliances are located. Hence, among all other parts in the house, the kitchen contributes almost half of the total energy consumption. With this, it is equally important to create a kitchen design that will match the requirements of integrated or sustainable design.

Why Sustainable Design?

Sustainable design, when incorporated within a home or building, triggers high performance and various advantages and keep energy consumption at a minimum. Creating sustainable kitchen design includes putting together "green design strategies" into standard design criteria. With this, you may consider the following areas:

1. Lighting design

Lighting efficiency is an essential factor in developing high-performance in homes. Like HVAC, several factors are necessary to ensure sustainable development in building operations - quality of lighting, aesthetics, energy efficiency, etc.

Designs that provide occupancy or light-level sensors, lighting controls, and dimming systems to determine when lights are illuminated, optimizes lighting needs, and provides homeowners with timed overrides. With advanced lighting designs, modulated lighting levels in proportion to available daylight are possible, which, in the end, saves energy. With this, you can maximize light coming from natural source. You may also use window panels that are specifically designed for optimizing the principles of sustainable development.

2. Materials

Wallpapers, table countertops, wood cabinets, carpet tiles - every material used in your kitchen should be designed according to the current standards of sustainable or green design. In this way, you can be sure that whatever material you use in your kitchen, you can be sure that you do not just provide clean living to your family but you also help protect the environment.

3. Appliances

To match the sustainability of your kitchen, make it a point to use appliances that provides high energy savings and are environmentally friendly. Among all appliances being used in the kitchen, refrigerators are considered to be the most important. This is where you keep and preserve your food.

Temperature control is critical to food safety, shelf-life and quality. However, in most cases temperature control and energy consumption do not go along together. You want to keep food fresh by providing better gauge on the temperature, which will eventually put an impact on your energy consumption. Higher temperature means higher electricity bills. But with a good refrigeration design, you can be sure that you can keep these two factors working harmoniously together.

With increasing requirements for energy efficient facilities in most countries and with the growing environmental awareness, the idea of incorporating sustainable design into your kitchen will not just provide your family a better environment within your home but also offer the community a better place to live.

Jo is an author and publisher for 'Benchmark Interiors' - http://www.benchmarkinteriors.co.uk - a UK kitchen furniture company that focuses in bespoke handmade kitchens, bedroom and home office furniture development and fabrication. If you are eager to create a sustainable kitchen design and want it to be austere yet useful or just want to know about bespoke kitchens design then you ought to have a look at Benchmark Interiors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Alelsto

How Green Are You? - Keys To Sustainable Construction

There are as many definitions of “green” as there are shades of color. Wikipedia defines a green building, also known as a sustainable building as “ a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner.”

Dade County Florida's Website reads that, “Sustainable building practices go beyond energy and water conservation to incorporate environmentally sensitive site planning, resource efficient building materials and superior indoor environmental quality.” The website lists five key benefits of sustainable construction that seems to concisely capture the “spirit” of the green building concept.

- Lower electric and water utility costs
- Environmentally effective use of building materials
- Enhanced health and productivity
- Long-term economic returns
- Reduced environmental impact

The need to reduce costs associated with energy production and importing building materials, the importance of conserving water and natural resources and minimizing environmental impact are challenges that are even more paramount within our island communities. Green initiatives provide excellent benefits but carry a pricetag asociated with implementation. We've looked at the benefits and the challenges, but what are the affordable solutions?

Lower Eletric and Water Utility costs
Thin-film solar and Atmospheric Water Generation are two affordable technolgies that fit expectioannly well in the Caribbean region. With the abundance of sunshine we receive intermingled with overcast days, it is still estimated that a solar radiation of 4-5 hours per day is typical for the region. Using lighweight thin-film solar, with a capacity of an estimated 5 watts/sq ft. a typical 1,200 sq ft home could easily support a roof laminted 3,000 Watt solar power system. A system of this size would generate an estimated 12-15kWh per day. By reducing electiical lighintg, cooling, and appliance loads to less than 4k the solar system can also be recued in size.

How do we reduce our electrical load calculations? Design and retrofit with L.E.D. Lighting, A typical home using high efficiency L.E.D. lighting would use just under 250 Watts for the entire lighting circuit and provide equal or higher lumen output than convenienal incandescent or CFL lighting systems. Heat pump water heating technologies provide an estimates 7,000 btu output and a max water temp of 135 while using less than 800 watts nominal. Air Conditioning units using proven ductless-split DC Inverter technologies provide remote controlled zoned cooling while using as little as 1,200 watts for a 11,000btu system. Energy efficient appliances are readily available and help to reduce overall electrical loads

A very natural solution for clean water production in the Caribbean has been around since the beginning of time. Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) systems use the natural humidity in the air to produce up to 6gallons per day of pure filtered drinking water without the need for any plumbing or realated infrastructure. Dispensing 99.9% pure water, the AWG system can be operated directly from solar power or plugs into a standard household outlet. With a built in water heating element the units dispense hot or cold water on demand without the need for maintaining an inventory of bottled water. Production costs are estimated between $0.06 -0.14 per gallon of water.

Environmentally Effective use of Building Materials
What's needed is a building system that can resist high winds, is versatile, structural, provides a high level of insulation, minimim waste and is affordable. Concrete Structural Insulated Panels (CSIP) provide an excellent alternative to conventional concrete block construction in the Caribbean. Proven and accepted throughout the United States, CSIP's are pre-designed, pre-cut, professionally engineered, insulated, provide a strucural frame and exterior and interior concrete fire resistant surfaces for finishing. These lighweight concrete panels are produced by manufacturers that are members of the Unites States Green Building Council (USGBC) such as T.Clear Corp of Hamilton Ohio. Their ProTec® CSIP building system provides less skilled labor, reduces wall construction time to a matter days verses months and is competitively afforadble when compared to block or conventioanl construction techniques. The company literature states the panels are “framing, sheathing, insulation and interior wall surface all in one. This equates to building more homes in les time with fewer associated costs and waste.

Enhanced Health and Productivity
Clean water, fresh air, low VOC and no off-gasing products should be the benchmark for homes built under the “green” design concept. Energy conservation and eco-friendly homes do not happen by accident, it takes planning and design guidelines to ensure homes provide comfort, style and are also affordable. Choosing off the shelf products that are eco-friendly minimize costs and help descrease the time required to source specialized products that add time and expense to the construction process. Despite the misconception, “green homes” can be stylish, affordable and built on a reduced timeline.

The Protec® Building System is currently used by HDC Development Corp within the Bahamas to build as it describes, “Net Zero Energy Homes”. Recently receing apporavel from The Bahamas Ministry of Works, the Protec Building System® is meticuoslesy engineered to design loads of up to 150 mile per winds. According to the information from the company's website, these “Net Zero Energy Homes” gerernate more energy than they consume, have minimal environmental impact, resist high winds and are very compatiable to developers seeking higher construction productivity rates.

Long-term Economic Returns
Unfortunately, when green initiatives are initially introduced into some regions for the first time, typically there exists an entense amount of resistance as traditional stakeholders, with entrenched concepts and methods are challenged by the new technology. However, for the greater good of the entire Caribbean region, traditional beauracratis “red tape” needs to be pierced so that a new generation may benefit from the advances in proven technology and ensure our regions continued success in the renewable energy amd sustainable development sectors.

Openminded acceptance of proven “green technologies” will bring investment, trainig, jobs and prosperity to the Caribbean region. The region is ideal to capture the full potential of clean solar and wind power generation. Long-term economic growth is the fruit that's harvested when we plant the seeds of green initiavtes today.

Reduced environmental impact
Waste reduction, resource conservation and matinainting pure water inventories are important issues that face any region, but even more so here in the Caribbean islands. As our population grow so does the need to pay more strict attention to the subject of waste management and recycling. Education and acceptance of recycling is the key. Conservation is an adopted lifestyle and the population must see it as a benefit in order to embrace it. Tangible incentives such as reductions in Waste Collection rates for househgolds that recycle, reduced utility rates for homes with Solar or wind Power Generation systems and reduced municipal water rates for households with Atmospheric Water Generators would go a long way to helping the large public adopt and embrace “going green”.

Lets hope the islands of the Caribbean region can by careful and wise use of our startegic natural resources become the worldwide leader in the adoption and implemntation of proven green technologies. It is clear we have the most to gain and success will equate to increased toursim, investment, training, jobs and prosperity for our region.

About the Author:
Kanchoo - International Green Building Consultant, Desinger and Builder has combined 24+ years of construction, lighting, electronics and engineering experience into concise sensible solutions for designing and building Energy Efficient Panelized "Green" Homes from the foundation to the roof. Each article features practical and affordable solutions to design and build "Zet Zero Energy Homes".

Article Source:
ArticlesBase.com - How Green Are You? - Keys to Sustainable Construction

Sustainable Home Decorating With Natural Fiber Rugs

If your house was built before the eco-friendly design craze, you may be asking yourself how you can contribute to the "green movement" without the energy-efficient architecture or the 100% organic building materials. There are in fact many ways for homeowners with older residences to develop environmentally sound practices within their households. Improving your sustainability does not have to be expensive or time-consuming either; there are many quick and inexpensive fixes that make major differences.

Simple changes, such as switching from regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, are not only more sustainable environmentally, but also economically. Similarly, ensuring that you fix any major drafts in doors and windows will save energy as well as money off your bills.

Whether you have an older house that needs constant attention or your home only requires the occasional repair, careful thought should be dedicated to any renovation projects-big or small. Before beginning the work, plan out every detail involved in the design aspects as well as materials in order to avoid running into glitches that could potentially waste time, energy and supplies.

Consult online resources to determine which products have the least amount of environmental repercussions. If you are contracting out any work, evaluate the builder's familiarity with sustainable design and construction. For do-it-yourself projects, be sure not to overestimate your expertise because having to completely restart work is wasteful as well.

Decorating and interior design are also important factors in improving household sustainability. Because "organic" and "green" have become such trendy modifiers, make sure you are not tricked by misleading marketing. Just because a product's packaging is green in color does not make it green in concept. When it comes to decorating in a sustainable fashion, the options are endless. Today you can find organic or environmentally friendly alternatives to nearly every household item.

Investing in sustainable home decor can be a weighty decision since most furniture, lighting and accessories tend to have long lifetimes. If you are not ready to purchase a large item such as a couch or dining room table, accessories such as natural fiber area rugs may be a good first step towards sustainability. Just like any remodeling work, research is equally important when making interior decorating decisions.

Natural fiber rugs can be found very easily in retail outlets and on online stores. The name suggests an earthy, simple design; however, there are also very high-quality refined styles. Living interiors with any composition can be enhanced by the addition of a natural fiber rug.

Rugs vary in material and include sisal area rugs, wool area rugs, seagrass area rugs and jute area rugs. Weaves range in smoothness with some accentuating the fiber texture while others tend to hide it. Area rugs made of refined piled jute have a softer feel and a more sophisticated, contemporary style. The seagrass rugs found in the Botanical Blends collection by Fibreworks emphasize the beautiful natural materials. With style names like "Garden Grove," "Spring Twine," and "Summer Lace," you can imagine these accessories perfectly in a sunroom, screened-in porch or patio.

A potpourri look can be found in rugs with a blend of different natural fibers. This option portrays a traditional country feel that would warm up the flooring of a kitchen or family room. While neutrals and subtle tones are the norm for natural fiber rugs, you can also find varieties in vibrant colors to match any room accents.

Whether you are just beginning to "green-up" your living space, or you are well on your way, consider natural fiber rugs when making new home decorating decisions.

Rachel Messina is a decorating enthusiast, a writer and Internet marketing specialist with Mountain Media, an eCommerce solutions firm that works with clients such as Georgia Mills Direct, an online source for natural fiber rugs including seagrass area rugs and sisal area rugs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Messina

Green From The Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, And Energy-Efficient Home Construction

"David Johnston and Scott Gibson offer guidance on environmentally sensitive home building in Green from the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient Home Construction (Taunton Press, paperback). The book is packed with information, tips, illustrations and case studies that offer wisdom earned from experience." -- Detroit Free Press (Michigan)

"Eco-friendly housing used to be thought of as expensive, ugly or just plain weird. Now it's becoming common. David Johnston and Scott Gibson offer guidance on environmentally sensitive home building in Green from the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient Home Construction. The book helps builders and homeowners create houses that conserve natural resources and are energy-efficient and healthful. It's packed with information, tips, illustrations and case studies that offer wisdom earned from experience." -- McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Natural Lighting, Sustainable Design, And Retractable Awnings

Natural lighting is one integral - but often overlooked - concept in both standard architectural design and sustainable design. Natural lighting is an appealing design statement because it is naturally lovely. It also is significantly more energy efficient because it reduces dependence on artificial light for most of the day.

The key to incorporating natural light is in providing brightness while managing glare - and that's where retractable awnings can be a crucial design element.

The Importance of Lighting in Architecture Lighting is an incredibly important method to highlight the mood and functionality of a space. In traditional architecture, natural lighting creates a specific mood to enhance comfort. Nowadays, sustainable design is introducing a complementary feature: to save energy.

One architectural book defines the patterns of light and dark as a "tapestry" that balances the room. Light highlights functional areas; it establishes and smoothes visual contrasts. Effective lighting strategies blend color, contrast, and shadows, which makes the variability of natural light attractive. The uniformity of artificial light can't bring the same delicate touch.

Additionally, artificial light isn't necessary. There is a giant (and electricity-free) light source right in the sky. Sustainable designs - called daylighting - use sunlight as an interior light source to cut down electricity usage. Because this is so energy-efficient, daylighting is a highly desirable component energy efficiency programs, even recognized by LEED certifications.

The key is to make the lighting scheme effective, so natural lighting has to: $ Mitigate heat gain. Too much heat, and air conditioning use becomes an energy issue. $ Control glare and UV rays. Direct sunlight can cause problems with normal tasks (reading or working at a computer). $ Optimize light. Sunlight can be a good thing, not just a thing. Good lighting creates a feeling of warmth, comfort, and well-being, as well as reduces headaches and eye strain.

Where Retractable Awnings Fit In The key to natural light is controlling that light, and that's where retractable awnings are a vital design concept.

Retractable awnings have long been incorporated in traditional architecture to produce translucent shading - in other words, diffuse natural light. As part of a lighting scheme, retractable awnings bring two important advantages: $ The fabrics of these awnings softly diffuse light, producing the warmth of the color reflecting from the fabric. $ The exterior shade from retractable awnings reduces glare and prevents UV rays from entering a room.

Retractable awnings enhance sustainable lighting design, as well, through better efficiency than windows, window tinting, blinds and shades, or fixed awnings: $ Retractable awnings reduce summer heat gain by blocking sunlight during hot, long-light months. This reduces heat gain by as much as 77% (up to 20 degrees) and cuts air conditioning use by 25%. $ Retractable awnings allow winter heat gain. This is incredibly important. Sunlight is crucial to providing natural heat during autumn and winter. Cutting off sunlight permanently through fixed awnings or heavy window treatments actually increases energy use in winter months - more than it saves in summer.

Designing with Retractable Awnings Design isn't a product. Design is a plan. Retractable awnings can enhance the lighting of a room or save money simply by being installed. But you can really maximize your investment and get truly spectacular results with a little bit of planning.

First and most important, look at the fabric. High-quality retractable awnings (even in budget lines) use solution-dyed acrylic. It's a durable, stain-resistant, fade-resistant fabric with excellent color quality. Even better, it's approved by the American Skin Cancer Association for its UV protection. Because solution-dyed acrylic is synthetic, it is available in an astonishing array of colors and patterns. For maximum impact on natural lighting designs, consider retractable awnings fabrics in warm, honey-colored tones like dark yellows, beige, orange, or cream. That palette provides very soft color that reduces glare while still being bright and cheerful.

Another major factor are accessories for the retractable awning. Motors are a cinch; motorized retractable awnings are used four times more often than manual retractable awnings according to industry research. Other features like remote controls or switches allow awnings to be installed in otherwise inaccessible areas - over extremely high windows, sides of buildings, or over walkways - and be opened and closed easily. Other features like timers, wind sensors, and rain sensors can protect the retractable awning in threatening weather (and times with lowlight, when any natural light should be maximized).

And always remember to look at the frame. Almost all of the function of a retractable awning comes from what it offers indoors (light control, energy efficiency) but its beauty comes from how it looks outside. There are many frame styles, and high-end assemblers can custom-size retractable awnings to the inch. Plan where you need an awning based on your lighting and energy needs inside - but match the style to the outside for the best curb appeal.

About the Author:
Retractable Awnings offers afforable high quality awnings, which are durable and easy to install. http://www.retractableawnings.com/

The Green Economy Begins With Sustainable Design

Green initiatives are a driving force in the Obama Administration's economic plans. The $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is expected to create 3.5 million green economy jobs over the next two years. While federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the General Services Administration (GSA) have increased budgets and revitalized green mandates to power the Administration's sustainable agenda, there are signs that the private side is getting on board.

With increased public and private commitments to green initiatives, awareness of sustainable design polices and practices have become paramount to the success of the green movement. Since the emergence of the green movement, sustainable design has remained a random compilation of national policy interspersed with local applications.

The Obama Administration is applying standardized third-party sustainable fundamentals to federal projects and carrying those fundamentals to state and local levels. Effective sustainable design addresses three basic concepts:

• The reduction of negative factors on the environment
• The reduction of negative health and comfort factors upon building occupants
• The increase of building efficiency and performance

Like all federal agencies, the GSA is determined to minimize the bottom-line impact during the implementation of sustainable design for all the agency's projects. In the past, the private sector has been wary of the cost of green design and construction. GSA maintains that increased construction costs related to effective sustainable design are more than offset by the reduction in operating costs and specifically in reduced energy and waste costs.

To achieve cost-effective sustainable design, the federal government has set forth a six-step process that the Obama Administration hopes the private sector will utilize.

• Site selection and preparation
• Utilization of building operating systems that minimize the use of non-renewable products
• Insistence on the use of sustainable building products
• Address the preservation and conservation of water
• Improve the building interior environment to the benefit of the occupants
• Implement environmentally responsible operational and maintenance practices

Accordingly, the GSA has received a $5.5 billion budget allocation for green projects. The EPA has finally received supplements to its dwindling budget. The Agency's budget was trimmed each of the past 8 years, resulting in a 27% cumulative decrease.

The new $10.5 billion budget includes a $3.9 billion allocation for improvements to the country's water infrastructure. Specifically, the agency will address 1000 clean water projects and 700 drinking water initiatives ranging from, San Francisco to Chesapeake Bay and including major projects in The Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.

The acknowledged universal and primary consideration in sustainable design has become the carbon footprint. The recognition of the carbon impact offers sustainable designers tangible criteria upon which every product, every building and every green initiative can be evaluated and promoted. In fact, the future of sustainable design and the development of carbon regulation will not only drive sustainable design but will unify the private and public sector's sustainable focus.

Copyright 2009 - 2010 theLEED.com and Green Efficient. Article may be reproduced, unchanged, as long as it retains author information and linking.

Rick Walker is the CEO of Green Efficient. GreenEfficient is the leader in the LEED building maintenance and operations market. Primarily serving Texas, their LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED-APS) manage commercial facilities using their integrated services portfolio of LEED-compliant janitorial services, Integrated Pest Management services, HVAC maintenance, lawn care services, purchasing oversight, occupant training and USGBC submittal services. Offices in Houston, Austin, Dallas and Corpus Christi enable the most active Texas LEED construction markets to be covered by their specialty services. For information on LEED, green building and sustainable products, visit their blog: theLEED

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_L._Walker

Commonly Asked Questions About Sustainable Home Design

If you're considering building your own house and you want to research some available options, it might be wise to speak with some sustainable home design architects. The idea behind this plan is to create dwellings that don't harm the environment, contribute to the local economy, and help reduce waste while maximizing tenant comfort. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about this unique kind of home plan.

• What are the principles behind sustainable design?

Home plans that reflect sustainable design ideals are environmentally sensitive and blend harmoniously with nature and society. These blueprints are not merely dwellings, but rather sanctuaries that operate under a philosophy of being an integral part of the natural surroundings rather than negatively harming them.

Sustainable design home plans incorporate only renewable, natural resources to lessen man's impact on the environment while being cost and energy-effective as well.

• What are some of the important aspects of such types of housing projects?

Architects utilize recycled, renewable, and non-toxic materials. The production process to make these is generally low impact on the environment and energy resources. That means that even after the house is no longer in use; the materials can be reused again, resulting in less waste.

These products are also often drawn from local sources to encourage local economy. Other important elements include maintaining a high quality of living for the tenants, such as an aesthetically pleasing look, healthy air flow, and overall harmony of the house.

• What are some of the primary goals of sustainable design architects?

Architects in this specialized field aim to create homes that outlast their mass-produced counterparts, with high quality plan elements and products. Energy efficiency, including electrical components and heating and cooling should be environmentally friendly as well as comfortably adequate for tenants.

A combination of alternative energies is often used such as solar power, collection of rainwater, and heat pumps to maximize effectiveness. Many of the dwellings can function equally as well without the help of traditional fossil fuel.

• Who can benefit from these types of houses?

Architects can be expensive; however, those with the ability and desire to create their own home plan will want to invest more research into these exciting and developing residential projects. It is not only environmentally friendly, but it can help save you money as well.

By using cheaper resources, you'll save money on the building materials. And since one of the main goals of these buildings is to create a longer lasting structure, you'll suffer through fewer repairs.

Alternative energy sources mean your family will save money and live a healthier, more independent lifestyle. You don't have to be dependent on traditional sources of energy or fossil fuel anymore.

• What else can a sustainable design architect do for me?

These kind of residential projects are also moving to the outdoors. Landscaping is an important aspect of a house layout, and designers have many tricks to help integrate the natural surroundings to benefit the house plans.

Elements of sustainable landscaping include strategically placing windows near trees to provide shade and protection, creating space for composting, using local plants and products to save on energy and contribute to the nearby economy, and choosing sturdy plants that can survive on little water and soil.

Sustainable home design plans are not only environment friendly but also cost effective in the long run. To find an architect with knowledge, training and experience in sustainable design, visit http://www.samselarchitects.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Sustainable Design Home Plans - The Responsible Choice For Today's Home Owner

When thinking about your dream home, there are many factors to consider. Location and cost are the first things most potential homeowners consider, but your research must go deeper, getting to the very heart of what you want your dream home to represent.

A dream house must meet all of your immediate needs, while still leaving room for growth and development in the future. For most people, the factors that they consider for the future usually revolve around a growing family and increased equity.

However, as people increasingly take a long-term, global view of their lives and their impact on the environment. Where past generations only sought to provide for the immediate needs of their family, today people are often looking for ways to leave a better planet for future generations.

As the science of ecology has developed over the years, it has been increasingly clear that something as solid and permanent as a building can have a fluid, changing impact on the environment over time. Today's houses can become tomorrow's problems if the architects behind the design do not take enough care in considering the future impact of their designs.

One way these architects are thinking of the future is by using sustainable design home plans. Sustainable designing encompasses a variety of design philosophies. The main idea that unites them all is a desire to find the best way to create buildings that will work with the surrounding environment. There are many variations on the theme of sustainable home design, but there are a number of common factors architects will consider when creating a sustainable design plan.

Working with a trained and experienced architect, you must first consider what sort of materials you will use to construct your dwelling and how those will affect the environment. Next, you must consider the amount of energy being consumed by your potential home. Utilizing certain complex design techniques, experts can now create dwellings that use the surrounding environmental patterns and building supplies to supplement energy needs, resulting in few energy required.

Finally, you must consider the pollution effects associated with your homes. The pollution put out by your home can be anything from ambient heat and water run-off that might affect the surrounding environment, to the actual pollution that will be created by your day to day life in the house.

When looking for an architect who can provide you with sustainable plans, it is important to do research. Look at buildings in your area that meet both your aesthetic needs as well as your sustainability needs. When meeting with your sustainable design representative, be sure to ask as many questions as you need to be comfortable with the design you choose.

As the years pass before your eyes and your family grows, your home will hopefully grow with you. And when it comes time to pass your home on to the next generation, hopefully you will be leaving them with a dream dwelling of their own, that will grow and change with them, all thanks to a well thought out sustainable home design plan.

Sustainable house design is the best way to create buildings in tune with the environment. LEED-Accredited architects incorporate environmentally sustainable design and green building principles throughout their work. Visit http://www.samselarchitects.com to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton