The Art Deco movement was in full swing in the 1920s and 1930s, and the same classic features that defined the style—minus the ornamentation—can be seen in many modern passive solar home designs today. These energy-efficient homes feature low-angled roofs that allow the sun's rays to enter the living space during the winter months, while the overhangs shade the home during the summer months, reducing cooling costs. Other features of a passive solar home may include an insulated core for optimal thermal mass and a building orientation that maximizes the potential of the sun's energy. Passive solar homes are incredibly efficient in comparison to more traditional and non-solar house designs. Passive Solar House Designs
Passive Solar House Designs
Zero-energy building (ZEB) houses have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to produce as much energy as they consume. These sustainable structures are perfect for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, not to mention their monthly energy bills. Usually constructed from insulated concrete forms, ZEB houses feature low-E windows, energy-efficient lighting, and high R-value insulation among other components. They may additionally feature solar panel arrays, geothermal heating and cooling systems, rainwater collection systems, and low-flow water fixtures for energy savings and sustainability. Zero-energy building homes are becoming more prominent in suburbs, cities, and rural areas alike. Zero-Energy Building House Designs
Zero-Energy Building House Designs
When living in a place that has a greater risk of wildfires and other natural disasters, it may pay to have a home that is fire-resistant. One example of a fire-resistant home is a hardy plank house, which is built with cement-board panels that are rated for 8-hours of fire resistance. Hardy plank houses feature sealed attics and walls, all of which restricts airflow during a fire and prevents flames from consuming the entire structure. Other features of a fire-resistant Art Deco-inspired house may include roofing tile and metal roofing panels, as well as fire-resistant siding. Fire-resistant homes are built with materials and designs that offer protection to occupants in the event of a wild fire or other emergency. Fire-Resistant House Designs
Fire-Resistant House Designs
Rainwater harvesting is becoming more popular these days, and for all the right reasons. Not only is it an eco-friendly practice, but it can save homeowners a bundle on their monthly water bills since there are very few costs associated with collecting rainwater. Art Deco-inspired house designs can easily be equipped to collect rainwater from the roof and then pipe it into a storage tank for safekeeping and later use. Additionally, rainwater harvesting can serve as a source of water for irrigation systems if needed. Rainwater harvesting systems help to reduce a homeowner’s dependence on city water and associated bills. Rainwater Harvesting House Designs
Rainwater Harvesting House Designs
Insulated concrete form (ICF) house designs are becoming increasingly popular for their efficiency and fire safety qualities, among other reasons. ICF homes provide superior insulation, as well as superior draft protection due to their strong concrete walls. The concrete walls also provide fire protection, and often have fire ratings of up to 8 hours. In terms of design, ICF houses can be customized to emulate Art Deco-style features and designs. Insulated concrete form homes offer superior insulation, draft protection, and fire ratings. Insulated Concrete Form House Designs
Insulated Concrete Form House Designs
Homeowners with a green consciousness will likely appreciate a home designed with recycled materials. Not only is it ecologically responsible, but it can also be incredibly stylish. Art Deco designs can be achieved using a combination of recycled wood, ceramics, and other recycled materials. For example, the facade of a house built with recycled materials can be decorated with ceramic art tiles, giving it a unique look. Additionally, recycled wood can be used for interior flooring and walls, resulting in a striking and one-of-a-kind house design. Recycled material houses are designed with a combination of recycled wood, ceramics, and other materials. Recycled Material House Designs
Recycled Material House Designs
High-performance homes are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills. These houses are designed to use the least amount of energy possible, with the majority of the heat being generated by solar energy. In addition, the house is designed to retain the heat from the sun's rays by using materials like insulation, low-E windows, and cool roofing materials. An Art Deco-inspired home designed with high-performance materials and construction methods can be highly energy efficient. High-performance homes are designed to use minimal energy with solar energy and materials that retain heat. High-Performance House Designs
High-Performance House Designs
High-mileage houses use a combination of green technologies and strategies to help reduce their carbon footprint. Current high-mileage materials include energy-efficient HVAC systems, graywater systems, natural cooling systems, and green roofs. An Art Deco-inspired high-mileage home may feature an open floor plan, airtight construction, and water-saving fixtures. Additionally, the home may include modern features such as solar PV panels, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and natural ventilation systems. High-mileage houses are designed with green technologies and strategies to reduce their environmental impact. High-Mileage House Designs
High-Mileage House Designs
The climate response of a house is essential for comfort and energy efficiency. Climate responsive house designs are designed to make the most of the climate in which they are built. This can mean designing with specific materials for specific climates, such as insulation for the coldest areas and solar panels for the sunniest areas. Additionally, Art Deco-inspired homes should feature rainwater harvesting systems and wind turbines to reduce reliance on city water and electricity. Climate responsive houses are designed to make the most of the climate in which they are built. Climate Responsive House Designs
Climate Responsive House Designs
Green building is one of the most popular construction trends in recent years, and rightly so. The goal is to build with materials and methods that conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. Green building house designs can incorporate all of the above design strategies, such as passive solar design, rainwater collection, high-mileage design, and climate responsive design. Generally, the goal is to reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible, and still maintain the classic look of Art Deco design. Green building homes use materials and methods that conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. Green Building House Designs
Green Building House Designs
Sustainable and Economical House Design
As modern architecture and interior design trends have focused on sustainable living solutions, economic house design has emerged as a popular option for eco-conscious homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint. With energy efficiency and affordability top of mind, many are turning to this cost-effective strategy.
Cool Roofs and Walls
An economic house design involves installing
cool roofs and walls
. With the ability to reflect heat, cool roofs are designed to absorb less solar energy than conventional roofs, reducing the amount of heat transfer to the home's interior. To maximize energy savings, cool roofs and walls are typically painted light colors to reflect radiant heat.
Passive Solar Heating and Cooling
Passive solar heating and cooling is another popular component of economic house design. Utilizing natural sunlight to help heat and cool your home, passive solar techniques can include large windows, porch awnings and more to capture and store solar energy. Adding insulation to windows and walls can also help conserve energy while keeping costs low.
Greywater Reuse and Rainwater Collection
Greywater reuse and rainwater collection are smart water-saving tactics that are commonly used in economical house design. Rainwater collection systems are designed to filter and collect rainwater from rooftops for various uses, such as landscape irrigation. Greywater reclamation systems can be used to filter used water from sinks, showers and more to reuse for watering plants or toilet flushing.
Landscaping Strategies
Creating beautiful and sustainable gardens is also an important part of economic house design. By utilizing native or drought-tolerant plants, implementing water-saving irrigation systems and using mulch to reduce water evaporation, homeowners can cut down on water bills while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing landscape.
When it comes to economical house design, energy efficiency and affordability are key components to consider. By incorporating cool roofs and walls, passive solar heating, greywater reuse and rainwater collection systems and other water-saving landscaping strategies, modern homeowners can incorporate eco-friendly features into their homes without breaking the bank.
