Solar orientated house designs are one of the most popular Art Deco designs on the market today. Solar orientated homes are built utilizing passive solar design principles that aim to capture and store solar energy. Passive solar approaches to home design involve constructing the house in a way that optimizes the use of natural sunlight for heating and cooling, providing natural lighting, and even generating electricity. The most common components of solar orientated homes are sun rooms, patios, and other outdoor areas with wide open windows that allow as much natural light to reach the interior of the home as possible. In order to further enhance the solar gain from window angles and insulation, some architectural styles work with the concept of tilt-up walls. For example, when a wall is built at an angle, the outside of the wall can be pointed southward towards the sun, maximizing the amount of sunlight it receives over the course of the day. An added benefit of tilt-up walls is that they are able to absorb heat at night, even during the winter months. Thermal chimneys and fans can help further facilitate heat exchange between the inside and outside of the home.Solar Orientated House Design
Using the principles of passive solar home design, homeowners can greatly reduce their dependence on electricity. This type of home design relies on direct solar gain, often achieved by customizing the roof and walls of the home. This includes utilizing overhangs on windows and overhangs along the exterior walls, as well as incorporating materials such as brick and stone that help store up and release heat into the home. This allows for the home to remain at a comfortable temperature throughout the year and allows for significantly reduced energy costs. The use of insulation is also important in successful passive solar home designs. Insulation helps to keep the home’s interior warm in the winter and cool in the summer. There are a variety of types of insulation to choose from, including foam insulation and spray foam, and the use of insulation is ideal for homeowners looking to keep energy costs down. It is important to install insulation properly according to manufacturers’ guidelines or using the advice of a professional.Passive Solar Home Design
Net zero house designs are becoming increasingly popular, and use sustainable and efficient energy-capturing methods to greatly reduce the amount of energy used by the home. This is achieved by utilizing photovoltaic cells and wind turbines to generate electricity, as well as through a variety of creative methods such as green roofs and solar thermal (hot water) storage systems. Through the integration of these methods, net zero homes generate all of their own energy, and in many cases, they are able to store the excess energy they generate for use later. Net zero buildings often use structural insulated panels (SIPs), which are highly energy efficient and are designed to prevent air leakage. SIPs can be made using any type of insulation material and can be formed into a variety of shapes to meet different needs. Additionally, they can be used to create larger, more complex buildings which were once considered impossible due to the limitations imposed by traditional construction practices.Net Zero Home Designs
Insulating concrete form (ICF) home designs use rigid insulation panels sandwiched between two layers of concrete to create an energy-efficient structure. Insulating concrete forms are a great way to reduce energy costs while also providing sustainability and resilience to extreme weather. The insulation panels can be made from a variety of materials, such as foam and polystyrene, and the layers of concrete provide excellent protection from moisture and temperatures. Insulating concrete form home designs are also ideal for damp climates such as those found in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. While they are not suitable for locations that experience heavy rain and snowfall, insulating concrete form designs can be used to keep the interior warm in winter and cool in the summer. They also provide a great amount of structural support, making them ideal for earthquake-prone areas.Insulating Concrete Form Home Designs
Geothermal house designs use the heats stored in the ground to help maintain a comfortable living space throughout the year. This renewable energy source is tapped into by sinking pumps into the ground that extract the heat from beneath the surface. The heat is then brought up to the living space and used to heat the home. In the summer, the warm air is diverted back down into the ground, helping to keep the home cooler. Geothermal home designs are becoming increasingly popular, as geothermal pumps require minimal energy to operate. This makes them ideal for off-grid living, as the energy consumption is significantly lower than that of traditional HVAC systems. Geothermal designs can also be used to provide hot water for the home, eliminating the need for a traditional water heater.Geothermal Home Designs
The use of masonry for house designs dates back hundreds of years, and for good reason. Masonry materials such as stone, bricks and concrete are excellent options for thermal mass structures. Thermal mass materials are able to absorb and release heat and help moderate the temperature fluctuations within the home. During the summer months, the materials store up heat from the sun’s rays, and as it gets cooler, they release the heat, providing natural insulation to the interior of the home. Masonry house designs are becoming increasingly popular, due to their high R-value and energy efficiency. Masonry is also a very versatile material, allowing for virtually any architectural style to be easily achieved. Lastly, masonry is a great choice for homes in earthquake-prone areas as it is incredibly durable.Thermal Mass Masonry Home Design
Green roof house designs are becoming increasingly popular, due to their numerous environmental and economic benefits. Green roofs utilize plants, shrubs and other vegetation to create an insulated living space. The insulation provided by the green roof helps regulate the temperature inside the home and helps reduce energy costs. Additionally, green roofs help reduce the heat island effect, improve air quality, improve water quality, and even absorb carbon dioxide. Green roofs require intensive planning and design, but the results can be worth it. Typically, green roofs utilize lightweight soil, plants and a waterproof membrane between the growing medium and the home to protect the home’s structure. This type of home design is ideal for saving money, reducing energy costs, and helping to make a more sustainable home.Green Roof Home Design
Mass/timber frame house designs are a great choice for those looking for an affordable way to build a home. This type of construction utilizes large timber posts and beams, which are connected together to create the frame of the house. This method of construction is faster than traditional methods and much more affordable, as the lumber required is significantly less costly. Mass timber frame structures are incredibly strong and durable, and they are an ideal choice for homes located in severe weather areas. Mass timber frame designs are becoming increasingly common, as they are very energy efficient and able to withstand intense winds and earthquakes. Additionally, these homes are aesthetically pleasing, as the timber used can be stained or painted in a variety of colors. Lastly, mass timber frame home designs require minimal maintenance due to their durability.Mass/Timber Frame Home Design
Those looking to reduce energy costs and increase their home’s energy efficiency should look into energy efficient house designs. This type of design utilizes input/output controllers, such as automatic light switches and programmable thermostats, that help regulate the home’s energy consumption. The use of sensors and timers can also help reduce energy costs, by intelligently controlling the home’s ventilation, heating and cooling systems. Energy efficient home designs also incorporate efficient windows and doors that reduce air leakage. Insulated windows and doors are essential to creating an airtight home envelope, as they can help to reduce the home’s energy loss significantly. Lastly, energy-efficient designs often incorporate solar panels, water heaters, and appliances that use energy-saving technologies.Energy Efficient Home Design
A windshield home design is a type of energy-efficient building method that uses a variety of materials such as plywood, brick, stone, and even aluminum, to create a shield around the home that prevents heat from entering or exiting the house. This type of design is ideal for homes located in windy areas, as the wind shield helps to reduce energy loss significantly. The wind shield is typically placed along the outside walls of the house, but can also be placed along the roof as well. Windshield house designs are becoming increasingly popular and are ideal for homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs. Additionally, they provide a great amount of protection from wind damage, as well as from other natural disasters. Lastly, the design helps to reduce noise from the outside, creating a more peaceful and restful atmosphere inside the home.Windshield Home Design