Environmentally Friendly Architecture Design

There once was a day where one someone was speaking about the word green, it was obvious they were referring to a color formed by mixing yellow and blue. That assumption is no longer true; with our society leaning toward a healthier environment and ways we can help save the earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to support an environmentally conscious lifestyle is with green architecture.

'Green Architecture' is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy-saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all hallmarks of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the impact of the construction on the environment in the years and decades after the construction is complete. It explores a relationship between architecture and ecology.

One of the key points to green architecture is to create synchrony with the surrounding environment. Everything about a green building should easily transition from the natural landscape, including the building materials. The best material to use for green construction is materials that have been recycled or come from easily restored resources.

Advantages of Green Architecture:

1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it incorporates resource recycling during construction, and later when the building is being used.

2. It causes minimal impact on the environment during the entire building life cycle of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.

3. Where possible, the natural topography is used to optimize energy usage.

4. It leads to reduced operating costs by optimizing resource usage. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources - especially water. Wherever possible, it focuses on using building materials from the building site itself. Well-insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy usage and loss.

5. Green Architecture promotes improved health of the occupants of the building, due to better natural air circulation and use of natural light.

6. Provides onsite facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste being sent to landfills.

Materials Commonly Used in Green Architecture

1. Recycled materials such as wood, tiles and bricks that are available at the building site or in/near the surrounding area.

2. Where new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use in just 6 years.

3. Insulation made from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim as opposed to fiberglass insulation - which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation may be treated with boric acid to retard insect damage. Organic or milk-based paints also afford protection.

4. Solar energy is an abundant resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic techniques.

5. Packed gravel in parking lots and driveways instead of concrete reduces rainwater run-off and replenishes ground water resources.

Many countries have developed their own standards of Green Architecture for energy-efficient and sustainable building. Given below are some common standards:

1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom
2. EnerGuide for New Houses - Canada
3. House Energy Rating - Australia
4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK

Practitioners of Green Architecture and sustainable development seek to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their surrounding natural environments.

James Heimler, Architect Los Angeles California, owns one of the leading firms in green architecture and environmental sustainable design practices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Heimler

By James Heimler

Sustainable Green Architecture

Sustainable architecture is designing buildings keeping in mind environmental goals and sustainable development. The terms green architecture or green buildings are often used interchangeably with sustainable architecture to promote this definition further. In a broader sense and taking into account the pressing economic and political issues, sustainable architecture seeks to reduce the negative environmental impact of the buildings by increasing efficiency and moderation in the utilization of building materials, energy and development space. Similarly, green architecture denotes economical, energy-saving, environmentally-friendly, sustainable development and explores the relationship between architecture and ecology.

In a case strongly promoting sustainable architecture, some experts have laid down certain basic elements that will help us to contribute to this matter further.

Small spaces
Large houses generally use a tremendous amount of energy to heat and cool. They also consume far more building materials which may have their own environmental consequences. In a move to do away with such wastefulness, small houses are now being preferred allowing one to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary depletion of natural resources.

Solar Energy
Nothing can be more comfortable for body and mind than living in a good solar-heated house. If designed ecologically, good passive solar energy provides just enough sunlight into the rooms to be absorbed by the surrounding thermal mass which acts as a heat battery and gives the warmth back into the room when the sun goes down. Crushed volcanic rock and straw bales make for good thermal mass insulation and designs in a green house

Renewable Energy
Among the several ways to conserve fossil fuel and produce electricity are using the natural powers of the sun, wind, or water.

Conserving water
The use of low water capacity toilets, flow restrictors at shower heads and faucet aerators are now being used as a part of sustainable architecture. More radical water conservation approaches include diverting gray water from bathing, clothes washing and bathroom sinks to watering plants; catching rain water from roofs and paved areas for domestic use. Landscaping with drought tolerant plants can also save water.

Using local and natural materials
Nature has been benevolent enough to provide us with several materials to build with, no matter what region you live in. If you use local materials for construction, processing and transporting hassles are minimized thereby also keeping environmental and economic costs low. From both, an aesthetic and health point of view, building with natural materials also helps sustainable development. Natural materials would include stone, glass, lime or mud plasters, adobe or rammed earth, bricks, tiles, untreated wood, cork, paper, reeds, bamboo, canes and grasses as well as all natural fibers. Including plants in your living space can greatly enhance the natural ambiance. Plants not only look nice, but they also release oxygen into the air, and some of them can actually filter some pollutants out of the air.

Saving our forests
While wood is most definitely a renewable source of energy we have gone beyond sustainable harvesting and ruined our eco-systems through deforestation. Wood must be used as little as possible and mainly for decorations. Cull dead trees for structural supports. Use masonry, straw bales; paper crepe, cob, adobe, rocks, bags of volcanic rock, etc., instead of wood. Homes can be made with certified sustainable harvested trees. This means that the forests where the trees are cut down from are carefully monitored to ensure that the health and character of the forest is maintained. Only certain trees are culled periodically, leaving the remaining trees to grow and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

Durability
One of the important elements of sustainable architecture is durability. If a building doesn't stand the test of time, it would be a waste of energy, from all perspective, human, resource and economic.

William Brister - http://www.architecturaldesign.tv - All about architecture Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Brister By William Brister

What Green Building Means

There's a lot of talk in real estate about green building lately, but the phrase is still a little vague. Here's a guide to understanding a few key terms, so you can investigate whether or not a potential home is truly eco-friendly.

Insulation and Building:
Many new buildings are being insulated with recycled materials, such as old blue jeans or blown-in fiberglass. Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and concrete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated wood. Many cities have lumber yards and "re-stores" where you can buy recycled or left over building materials that are strong, cheap, and often antique or authentically vintage.

Appliances:
Look for low flow shower heads and low flush or composting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dryers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tankless, water heaters.

Flooring:
Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have found inexpensive and beautiful alternatives in bamboo (which is technically not a wood but a grass, and yet one of the hardest and most easily replenished flooring materials) and cork (also easily replenished). Concrete, too, can be a sturdy and inexpensive alternative, as can old fashioned linoleum, which is actually made from linen and other natural fibers.

Paint and Other Materials:
Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alternatives to oil and latex; one such option is the use of milk-based paints (which upon application smell like milk instead of harsh chemicals, and which don't have any carcinogenic ingredients.) Recycled glass is now being made into kitchen and bath tiles, and countertops are being made with recycled materials that look even more beautiful and unique than mined granite.

Solar Energy:
Solar energy doesn't just mean expensive panels that sit on your roof (though that's one kind, called active solar energy). Considering a solar home can mean investing in thick-paned, glazed windows or in more complicated photovoltaic cells. Though solar tends to be an expensive investment, upfront, the rewards show up every month in your energy bills.

Landscaping:
Look for Xeriscaped yards and common areas with plants that require little watering. Consider getting rain barrels (many cities sell them through their water and energy programs) or converting your outdoor water system to "graywater" (which involves using recycled water from dishwashers and washing machines to water your lawn or wash your car). Looks for trees that are native to your area, and plant them so they shield your windows from too much sun during hotter days.

Neighborhood:
While a lot of green building means being aware of what is going into your home, you might also want to check out your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or community gardens? Public transportation? Bike paths so you can have the option of avoiding traffic? Are there shops and restaurants close to you, to encourage walking? While thinking about these things may seem unimportant now, our global climate and community with thank you later. (Oh, and don't forget the federal tax deductions.)

If you are looking for property in the Austin Texas Real Estate market Ki Gray can help you in your search. A broker with a long background of helping clients in the Austin market. His site Escapeso Austin Texas Real Estate is a source for information about the real estate market and current events in Austin Texas. It also provides a description of the different Austin Condos going up in downtown Austin.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray

By Ki Gray

Sustainable Landscape Architecture

Sustainable landscape architecture is a category of sustainable design concerned with the planning and design of outdoor space. This can include ecological, social and economic aspects of sustainability. For example, the design of a sustainable urban drainage system can: improve habitats for fauna and flora; improve recreational facilities, because people love to be beside water; save money, because building culverts is expensive and floods cause severe financial harm.

The design of a green roof or a roof garden can also contribute to the sustainability of a landscape architecture project. The roof will help manage surface water, provide for wildlife and provide for recreation.

Sustainability appears to be a new addition to the traditional Vitruvian objectives of the design process: commodity, firmness and delight. But it can be seen as an aspect of both firmness and commodity: an outdoor space is likely to last longer and give more commodity to its owners if it requires low inputs of energy, water, fertiliser etc, and if it produces fewer outputs of noise, pollution, surface water runoff etc.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sustainable Landscape Architecture

Sustainable landscape architecture is a category of sustainable design concerned with the planning and design of outdoor space. This can include ecological, social and economic aspects of sustainability. For example, the design of a sustainable urban drainage system can: improve habitats for fauna and flora; improve recreational facilities, because people love to be beside water; save money, because building culverts is expensive and floods cause severe financial harm.

The design of a green roof or a roof garden can also contribute to the sustainability of a landscape architecture project. The roof will help manage surface water, provide for wildlife and provide for recreation.

Sustainability appears to be a new addition to the traditional Vitruvian objectives of the design process: commodity, firmness and delight. But it can be seen as an aspect of both firmness and commodity: an outdoor space is likely to last longer and give more commodity to its owners if it requires low inputs of energy, water, fertiliser etc, and if it produces fewer outputs of noise, pollution, surface water runoff etc.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

When Architecture and Design Make Your Dream Home

One of the most watched segments in the woodworking industry is architectural woodworking. For the past few years, it has fast created its own market, usually composed of homes and high-end facilities like hotels.

But you may ask, “What created the need for architectural woodworking?” Well, it seems that this kind of artwork has been a symbol of long-lasting impression to the kind of commitment the owner has for quality. Every architectural woodwork plan has become an enduring element of elegance, beauty, and timelessness. Therefore, you can conclude that only the best kinds of materials are used, designs are well thought of, and only the best architectural company or person was hired to do this complex task.

This article focuses on the different architectural woodworking plans you can do for your home. There are many styles to choose from, and you can freely decide which bests suits your needs and can bring out the uniqueness and overall feel of your house.

Georgian homes are stately looking. It is reminiscent of the period of classical revival in England, which happened before the onset of the American Revolution. These types are usually are made of brick. In the colonies, there is a shortage of such material, and so most Georgian homes are built of wood. A more common feature includes two-story English-style freestanding columns that serve as support for a triangular pediment. In America, these pillars, often are referred to as pilasters, and are connected to the building. In order to maintain its classicism, you may need to conduct periodic maintenance and repair. The first area you need to check is the pediment. Make sure that all the three sides of the triangle are not exhibiting any signs of deterioration such as rotting. If bird nests are present, it is ideal that you remove them as birdlime will speed up wood rot.

Most mansions built today are influenced by Greek architecture. Unlike the courthouses constructed in 1800s, where columns are made of bricks, these houses have wooden pillars. The good thing about this is you can create your own column designs to add a more grandiose look. However, since they are seldom solid, they easily deteriorate. Should you encounter this problem, the best solution is to replace them or apply some preservation methods.

If you feel like living in a sort-of castle, perhaps you can consider building your own Tudor home. The towers and parapets that are the roof, and their huge timber beams that cross some broad regions of brick stimulate the idea of a fairy tale. They are usually added, however, not as a support structure but as exterior design.

The above article was written by Sarah Miller on behalf of a buzzing online Home Improvement community where homeowners easily and painlessly find the right contractor for their home improvement projects and in turn, contractors can find the right Home Improvement Leads! Also check out the QuoteCity.com Blog for more related Home Improvement Articles and Ideas.

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By Sarah Miller

Front Yards: Matching Landscaping With Architecture

You have a beautiful home and you want to have a beautiful yard as well. However, you can have both and them not look all that beautiful together. That happens when the front yard landscaping does not match the home’s architecture. If you live in the Phoenix area and are interested in having the most beautiful yard in your neighborhood or the entire city then you can do so buy choosing a Phoenix landscaping company that knows how to landscape your front lawn in a way that will complement your home. A Phoenix lawn requires special care and a professional landscaping company knows just how to make your grass green, flowers bloom, and create an overall beautiful appearance. A good idea is for you to always ask for a landscape plan up front or maybe even two. That way you can evaluate the plan for your front yard before anything is done. So, if you like the plan you can give the go ahead and if not you can work on changes or find another landscaper that will work better with you. The importance is to find landscaping techniques that complement your home.

For example, you always want to landscape in a way that will always emphasize the beauty of your home’s architecture. At no point do you want to hide any of your home’s architectural beauty by planting large plants or trees that will grow and shade parts of your home. Of course if you have problem spots on your home that you just don’t care for you could always landscape in a way to camouflage them. However, this is not usually the case and you will want to plant plants and shrubs to frame and emphasize your home, not the other way around.

When you find a Phoenix landscaping company that understands what you are looking for and is capable of coming up with a plan to help you landscape your yard in a way to make your home’s beauty really stand out then you will be ready to get started. Also, don’t go with just any landscaper but rather one that is educated and understands landscaping. This will be an important decision and you will see the ultimate difference in the beauty of your lawn. Remember, it is your home and your lawn so you get the final say in what looks best and what it is exactly that you want.

Caitlina Fuller is a freelance writer. If you live in the Phoenix area and are interested in having the most beautiful yard in your neighborhood or the entire city then you can do so buy choosing a Phoenix landscaping company that knows how to landscape your front lawn in a way that will complement your home. A Phoenix lawn requires special care and a professional landscaping company knows just how to make your grass green, flowers bloom, and create an overall beautiful appearance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlina_Fuller

By Caitlina Fuller