Passive Solar House Designs
As art deco home designs are becoming more popular than ever, Passive Solar House Designs can also be a great option. Passive Solar House Designs can help to reduce your overall energy use by using the sun’s rays to heat your home. This type of design utilizes solar orientation, window placement, and thermal mass in order to capture and store the sun’s energy. For example, windows that face south can maximize the sun's warming effect while features such as overhangs can provide shade and reduce the need for air conditioning. Moreover, Thermal mass- materials such as stone, brick, and concrete used to store warm air in the winter and remain cooler in the summer – help to absorb, store and then radiate the heat and cooling from the sun. Reflective Roof Technologies, Low-Energy Heating and Cooling Solutions are all part of passive solar house designs.
Sustainable Home Design
Sustainable home designs are growing in popularity as more people look towards eco-friendly home solutions. Sustainable home designs focus on using renewable resources and energy efficient products. For example, some popular sustainable home designs incorporate Solar Panels, Recycled Building Materials, Rainwater Collection Systems, Low-E curtains and windows, Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems and Low-Flow Water Fixtures. Sustainable home designs can also promote the efficient use of land by utilizing space wisely and not taking up more than is necessary. Sustainable house designs should aim to integrate the indoors with the outdoors and use natural elements such as plants to create a more sustainable living environment. Environmentally-Friendly Building Materials, Rainwater Collection Systems and Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs are all important elements of sustainable home designs.
Green House Designs
Green house designs aim to reduce energy usage, water consumption, and waste production. With green house designs, some popular options include Solar Panels, Sustainable Building Materials, Low-E Windows and Recycled Building Materials. Solar panels are a great option for green house designs as they can provide renewable energy and help to reduce your overall energy use. Moreover, features such as Low-E Windows and Recycled Building Materials can help to reduce energy bills and reduce waste. Additionally, green house designs should aim to utilize natural elements like plants to create a more sustainable living environment. Other elements of green house designs such as Rainwater Collection Systems, Energy-Efficient Appliances and Low-Flow Water Fixtures can also help to reduce your environmental footprint.
Geothermal Home Designs
Geothermal home designs are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Geothermal home designs use the inner temperature of the ground in order to warm and cool homes. This type of design utilizes the natural heat of the earth to warm or cool the home, reducing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems. Geothermal home designs are also known for their energy efficiency, as they can save up to 70% on energy costs. Common elements of geothermal home designs include a Geothermal Heat Pump, a Ground Source Heat Pump and a Radiant Floor System. A geothermal heat pump is used to distribute the heat and cool from the ground throughout the home, while a ground source heat pump is used to draw heat from the ground and a radiant floor system is used to heat a room or floor space.
Energy-Efficient House Designs
When it comes to energy-efficient house designs, the options are virtually endless. There are a number of features and technologies that can be incorporated into an energy-efficient home design. Features such as Solar Panels, Low-E Windows, Economy Insulation, and Energy Star Appliances can all help to reduce your overall energy use. In addition, features such as Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems, Radiant Barriers and Cool Roof Technologies can also help to reduce your energy bills. By combining energy-efficient house designs with sustainable home design methods, you can create a home that is both sustainable and efficient.
Natural Ventilation Designs
Incorporating natural ventilation into your home designs can help to reduce your energy usage and improve your indoor air quality. Natural ventilation designs utilize the natural flow of air to reduce the need for traditional air conditioning and heating systems. Features such as operable windows, high ceilings, skylights, and fans can all help to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. In addition, features such as Fluid Dynamics, Passive Wind Catchers and Cross-Ventilation can also help to create a more energy-efficient home. Natural ventilation designs are not only energy-efficient, but can also help to reduce the amount of pollutants in your home.
Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems
Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems (HRV's) are becoming more popular as home owners look to reduce their energy bills and improve their indoor air quality. HRV’s work by taking the warm air from inside the home and exchanging it with cold air from outside. This process helps to reduce your overall energy usage by removing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems. Moreover, HRV’s can also help to reduce indoor air pollutants by filtering out airborne particles and other pollutants. It is important to note, however, that HRV’s are not suitable for all home designs as they require a specific type of insulation and ventilation system. Heat pumps, insulated air ducts and energy-efficient air filters are all important components of Heat Recovery Ventilation Systems.
Insulated Concrete Form Construction
Insulated Concrete Form Construction (ICF) is a great option for home owners looking for energy-efficient and durable construction. ICF’s focus on utilizing a type of insulated building material which consists of foam insulation panels filled with concrete. This type of construction helps to reduce energy usage and promote better indoor air quality. Some key elements of ICF construction include Insulated Roofs and Walls, Radiant Barrier Technologies and Insulated Foundation Systems. Additionally, ICF construction can also provide soundproofing and fire resistance, helping to create a more comfortable and safer living space.
Radiant Barrier and Cool Roof Technology
Radiant Barrier and Cool Roof Technologies are important elements of energy-efficient home designs. Radiant Barrier and Cool Roof Technologies focus on using reflective materials which are applied to the roof in order to reflect the sun’s energy instead of absorbing it. These materials can help to reduce the amount of energy needed to cool your home and reduce the amount of energy required to heat your home in the winter. Additionally, Cool Roof Technologies can also help to reduce UV rays from entering your home, helping to create a more comfortable living environment. As such, incorporating Radiant Barrier and Cool Roof Technologies into your home design can help to reduce your overall energy usage and increase the comfort of your home.
Low-E Vinyl Windows
Low-E (low-emissivity) vinyl windows are an important element of energy efficient home designs. Low-E windows utilize a type of glazing which helps to reduce the amount of heat from entering and leaving your home. This glazing can help to regulate the temperature in your home, reducing the need for traditional heating and cooling systems. In addition, Low-E vinyl windows also help to reduce UV rays from entering your home, helping to protect the furniture and carpet from fading. As such, incorporating Low-E vinyl windows into your home design can not only help to reduce your energy bills, but can also help to promote better indoor air quality.
The Natural Cooling House Design

Create Shade

Make Use of Cross-Ventilation

Take Advantage of Earth's Thermal Energy
