Energy Efficient, Sustainably Built Home Design

Taking green considerations into account in the design phase of building construction is the most effective and cost efficient way of creating a green building package. Building size, building orientation, room layout, window configuration, insulation strategy, thermal massing, and construction material selection are most effectively planned into the original design of a building. Timberworks Architecture can guide the design process allowing for the inclusion and integration of green building components, functional and inspiring living spaces, aesthetically pleasing style, and cost control. 

Solar Building Orientation

Appropriate building siting to maximize solar gain.

Super Insulated Building Envelope

Insulating the foundation, walls, and roof is the most effective way of reducing energy consumption in a building.

Building Size

Reduce the consumption of building materials and energy consumption by efficient building sizing.

Low Energy Consumption - Low Emissions Mechanical System

Use of a combination of properly sized high efficiency heating and/or cooling equipment, geothermal, active solar, and photovoltaic systems.

Water Conservation

Using low water consumption appliances and fixtures and a grey water reuse system.

Renewable Source Fuels

Use of solar, wind, geothermal, wood, and/or organic produced power and heat.

Recycled and Recyclable Materials

Use of building materials that have had previous uses and/or can be processed for future uses beyond the building life span.

U.S. ENRGY CONSUMPTION

Low Energy Consumption Appliances

Use of Energy Star rated kitchen and laundry appliances and on-demand hot water production.

Low Energy Consumption Lighting

Maximization of natural lighting and use of LED and fluorescent lighting.

Appropriate Window Layout

Minimizing north, east, and west facing windows and using proper quantity of south facing windows 

Shading with Overhangs and Vegitation

Cooling of exterior building surfaces by using existing or new vegitation for shade. Preventing unwanted interior heat gain by shading window openings with overhangs or canopies.

Thermal Window Coverings

Insulated curtains or panels for closure at night to minimize heat loss at night.

Renewable Source Materials

Use of organic building materials, finishes, and furniture.

Thermal Mass

Daytime heating gain or production storage in interior slabs, masonry walls or chimneys, or water containers for nighttime reradiation.

U.S. CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS

Close to half of the energy consumed and carbon emitted in the United States comes from the residential sector.  By taking the necessary steps to decrease energy consumption in our homes we can not only reduce our operating costs, we can reduce our consumption of non-renewable resources and our contribution of carbon dioxide into the environment.