What is a eco-development?
“…..the overall goal of green development is to produce buildings that take less from the earth and give more to people.”
Combining the latest engineering and architectural technologies with the wisdom and practices of centuries of home building, eco-development aims to build homes that are better for people and the planet. Specific design elements of eco-homes fall into three broad categories:
1. Human Comfort & Health
- Siting of house to maximize natural lighting views
- Roof overhangs to prevent overheating
- High performance windows
- Positioning of windows and skylights for optimum ventilation
- Whole house heat exchange and ventilation system for maximum air quality
- Radiant floor heat
- Natural landscaping including space for vegetable gardening
- Non-toxic paints and finishes
- Smaller square footage makes home feel cozy and nurturing
- Formaldehyde free cabinets
2. Energy Conservation
- Passive Solar design for natural warmth
- Advanced Framing system uses 20% less lumber
- Soy based insulation (above code R-value and non-toxic)
- Manufactured floor joists and beams saves lumber
- High performance windows reduce heat loss
- Super insulated hot water tanks
- Energy Star energy efficient appliances
- Energy Star water efficient dishwasher and clothes washer
- Solar clothes drying system
3. Energy Efficiency
- Electric power generating photovoltaic system (4 kw grid tied system)
- Solar hot water system (30 vacuum tube system)
- Electric vehicle plug in
- Energy Star lighting
- Building orientation and form maximizes solar gain, shields northern winds
- Passive solar design provides winter heating
- Minimal heating system is required which equals long term savings