My wife and I are planning to build a house during the 2006 building season, which, in Minnesota, starts maybe as early as late March or early April. Now when I say we are going to build a house, I do not mean as my dad did in the late 30s and early 1940s, where he actually did all the work himself. We will be working with a builder, which I think is smart, as building requirements have become quite complex these days.
The goal for this project is to build a highly energy efficient house, that uses sustainable design, materials and technologies, and makes efficient use of space, meeting our needs of an active lifestyle. We have named the house, The House of Arden – "Where . . . good is found in everything."
Let's explore the first requirement – energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is an element of sustainability. However, living in Minnesota where winter temperatures can reach 20 to 30 degrees below zero and summer temperatures in the middle to upper 90s, energy use and management is very important. We will be using the best design, materials, and management technology (that we can afford) to assure energy efficiency. This will mean additional cost for construction. However, we will more than make up for that cost through energy savings.
The second requirement is that the house be build using sustainable design, materials, and techniques. Sustainable design considers the site, water management, energy use (covered above), interior environment, materials, and waste.
Site environment: The building site is a fill-in lot, salvaged when the city redesign the city streets.
Water: We will carefully manage rainwater to minimize runoff into the street and storm sewers. The appliances selected will make efficient use of water.
Energy: We will design highly efficient systems for heating, cooling, and lighting the structure.
Interior environment: We will use the latest in indoor air treatment technologies to maintain a healthy and comfortable living space.
Materials: Materials used for constructing the house will be of lasting value and will require low maintenance. In addition, we will purchase the materials from suppliers or manufacturers as close to the building sight as possible.
Waste: We will plan to minimize construction waste and will reused, recycled, or properly disposed all construction waste. In addition, once we move in we plan to compost kitchen, lawn and garden waste and the community provides curb pickup of mixed recyclables.
Using sustainable design and materials will also increase the cost of the house. However, we will more than make up for that cost through the reduction in maintenance, repair, and replacement of materials and components.
The third requirement is that the house must meet the needs of an active lifestyle. Because we host large gatherings of family and friends, the house must have space for entertaining. This includes a dining room, living room, and a well-designed kitchen. The house must have welcoming entries. We plan to do a lot of gardening, so the house must have a mudroom and garden storage. I am a wood worker (ok, I make a lot of sawdust, and very expensive firewood), so we need to plan for a workshop. My wife Marty is a quilt maker, and so needs a sewing studio (and storage for all that fabric). We plan to stay in the house for as long as possible, so there needs to be a bedroom on the first floor and the first floor needs to be handicap accessible. To keep the size of the house reasonable, the design should include multi-use spaces. Living in Minnesota, access to winter sunlight is a requirement for sane living. And, finally, the house must blend in with the older homes in the neighborhood.
My plan for using gather.com is to follow this article with some of the analysis that we have gone through and the design that we have come up with. Then when construction starts, in late March or early April, I will provide a weekly diary of our experience. Your comments and questions will guide me in what I include or do not in the diary.
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Comments: 15
www.navigatechange.com - www.sustainablearizona.org
Will you be using reconditioned or recycled materials? There's a shop about a mile from me that offers salvaged materials. It's a fascinating place to walk through. I wonder how much of a house could be constructed from what they're selling, and how livable it would really turn out to be.
As an Architect I have read your article with interest. You should be commended with your commitment to a green home.
The only thing I found missing was any mention of an using an Architect. It is very interesting that most people would never consider surgery without first seeking advice of an MD. But when they approach a building or home they automatically go directly to a contractor/builder. While a builder is qualified in achieving the work they are not always up-to-date with the latest technology or building techniques that a client can achieve within their budget.
The one item that home owners do not realize is that an Architect is working for the client and does not have a vested interest in the project i.e. finical incentive a percentage of the project. Architects are trained in being objective and working with a client.
For instance I see that you are very concerned with an energy efficient home, but I do not see any mention of using geothermal for your heating and cooling. Was this suggested or discussed with the builder?
Remember Architect's are the original "Master Builder's"
One other item to consider when building your own home it is very stressful and is considered a life changing event. Also remember your budget.
Best of luck
Dominic V, AIA
Dominic V, AIA