Sustainable design is defined as "green" building design, construction and operation. Green buildings have four main characteristics:

Healthy, Safe and Comfortable

Energy Efficient

Resource Efficient

Affordable, Durable, and Maintainable
Did you know...
Typical building construction, use, and demolition, as well as the manufacturing of building materials, contribute significantly to environmental problems. In the United States, building accounts for:
A typical 1700 sq ft. wood frame home requires the equivalent of clear cutting one acre of forest.
Design Basics
Choose a site that makes it easy to fulfill your objectives in your climate. Access your needs carefully, so you can right size your home and plan for future needs. Orient your home for the most benefit from the sun and breezes and remember to place and size windows well. Design generous overhangs and include a covered porch. Keep it simple by reducing costs and problems. Now you are ready to build!
Recommended Sustainable Materials
We do not sell any of the products below; however, they are recommendations based on our research.
- Typical Wood Framing w/ Icynene/Soy-based Insulation (waste)
- Smart Panels (precision factory assembly)
- SIP's (Structural Insulated Panels)
- ICF or Insulated Concrete Forms (difficult for additions including windows & doors
Walls/Insulation
- Vinyl - Energy Star
Windows
- Fiberglass - Energy Star
Doors
- Metal w/ Roof Vents, Soffit Vents & Solar Attic Fans (if using Icynene insulation, roof vents & attic fans not needed)
Roof
- Masonry
- "Hardi" Siding
Exterior Wall Finish
- No V.O.C. or Low V.O.C. Point
Finishes
- Stained Concrete
- Renewable Materials - ie: Bamboo, Cork
- Recycled Materials - ie: Rubber
- Natural Materials - ie: Linoleum
Flooring
- Rain Water Collection
- Grey Water Treatment
- Solar Water Heaters w/ Marathon Tanks
- On Demand Tank-less Water Heater (gas)
- Recirculation
- Low Flush Toilets
- Low-flow Shower Heads
- In-line Heaters in Jacuzzi & Air Tubs
Water Conservation & Heating
- Energy Star Fixtures
- Fluorescent Bulbs
Electrical
- Mnimum 13 SEER
A/C (Consider home insulation type when calculating tonnage: If using Icynene reduce A/C tonnage)
- Photovoltaic Panels (technology changing rapidly - suggest waiting 1-2 years)
- Attic Fans
- Tubular Skylights
Solar
- Energy Star
Appliances
- Native Drought Resistant Plants
- Topsoil Containing 25% Compost
- Shade Trees Close to House (focus on West, East and South)
- Mulch Plant Beds to Block Out Weeds and Maintain Soil Moisture around Roots