green building strategies: from an architect's notebook

By Brandy LeMae, Vice President of VaST

Growing up in Lyons, Colorado, my husband, Joseph Vigil, and I both lived in homes that typified the small hometown atmosphere. Quaint, yes, but as I remember well, these houses are usually also drafty, cramped and inefficient. But by building and remolding using high-performance and green measures, residents can cut utility costs and create healthier homes

Let’s begin with a few definitions. We use the expression high-performance to describe design strategies that optimize the solar potential of the site and use energy-efficient equipment and building techniques that create super-insulated structures that are easy to heat and cool. The phrase green design refers to environmentally friendly strategies based in conservation and waste reduction, as well as the health and comfort of the occupants. The term sustainability refers to the use of resources in a fashion that ensures the quality of life for future generations. At our architecture firm, we take a holistic approach to our projects, identifying sustainable alternatives at every stage. From foundation to landscaping, smart choices can make the difference in an environmentally friendly home.

Tips for Green Building with Sustainable Materials

• Use insulated concrete forms (ICFs), a combination of concrete and polystyrene foam, for a building’s foundation and walls. ICFs are first-rate insulators, which means the structure will stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter, cutting energy costs. Furthermore, ICFs create an effective barrier against noise, insects and mold.

• Rather than building with traditional wood studs, use structural insulated panels (SIPs) for floors, walls and roofs. SIPs consist of rigid foam insulation in between two panels of oriented strand board that provide more uniform insulation coverage. Like ICFs, this high-performance system helps maintain indoor temperature.

• Today’s marketplace includes a multitude of products made from recycled material like plastic or glass bottles. Builders may now choose carpeting, drywall, plastic lumber for decking and outdoor furniture, cotton and cellulose insulation, paint, roofing materials, structural steel, and glass tiles—all with high recycled content. Use recycled content, as well as salvaged building materials, to reduce the burden on our landfills. In addition, rapid-growth resources like sisal or bamboo give the home a more natural appearance without the environmental impact of other products.

Protect Your Indoor Air Quality

Chemicals, outdoor pollutants and mold can create health hazards in the home. But green building that uses solvent-free adhesives and water-based, formaldehyde-free interior paints and sealers results in fewer chemical vapors and odors. In addition, using alternative products in the foundation and framing prevents moisture penetration, reducing the possibility of unseen mold colonies taking root in the home’s structural materials. Meanwhile, concrete, bamboo or tile flooring can prevent dust, pet dander and fibers from building up in the air; and an unattached garage reduces the amount of auto exhaust that enters the house. This, coupled with a good ventilation and air circulation plan, ensures that the indoor air will be as clean and fresh as possible.

Save on Energy Costs with High-Performance Building

High-performance windows, day lighting and efficient electric lighting; low-flow faucets and toilets; tankless or solar hot water systems. These are some of the many products and strategies incorporate energy efficiency and conservation into the building plan. Home solar power systems are particularly suited to Colorado’s sunshine, and often provide homeowners with a surplus of energy that can feed the utility grid rather than feed off of it. Other efforts toward energy efficiency include: natural heating and cooling methods; “cool roof” materials that are light or reflective; adequate insulation in all areas of the house; well-sealed and connected ductwork; and energy-efficient electrical appliances. As energy costs rise, considering these areas in a thoughtful and coordinated construction project can ensure great savings in the long run.

Intelligent Design

In all, green building is about smart and effective use of resources, energy and water. Creating a green building is not just about energy efficiency; it is also about recognizing the repercussions of our current practices on the world as a whole. The more self-sustaining, sturdy and efficient our homes are, the more likely we are to enjoy a healthy and beautiful Colorado.

VaST, promotes construction that uses resources wisely, helping clients make appropriate choices to meet their needs while decreasing the overall impact on the environment. Beginning with layout and design, we help our clients create spaces that are simple and well organized. The end product is constructed with high-quality, long-lasting materials that are durable and easy to maintain.

Reach Brandy LeMae or Joseph Vigil at 303.442.3700 or www.vast2020.com.

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