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Building a Green House |  |
June 7, 2007
by Alayna Buckner
Design Programs Columnist
Environmentalists' pleas for consumers to adopt eco-friendlyarchitecture have typically fallen on deaf ears. But new scientific research has made it cool to "be green." Green architecture is expected to be in increasing demand as people move to counteract global warming and reduce their own impact on the planet.
Whether you are an architecture design student or simply a concerned homeowner, now is the time to learn how you can advocate for external green design. If you're in the industry, you can even get certified as a true green architect through the National Association of Home Builders.
Recycled Roofs
When designing a house's roof, consider using old material. Recycled roofing systems, such as shingles made from aluminum cans, look exactly like their non-recycled counterparts. The national Energy Policy Act of 2005 grants taxpayers a $500 tax credit for choosing to install such a system, making it a win-win situation for green residential architects and their customers.
Know Your Materials
Today, inventors are quickly rolling-out alternatives to typical building materials like glass. ETFE, a fluorocarbon-based polymer, is quickly being touted as leading the revolution. The substance is light, stretchable, and recyclable. Architects are so impressed with its versatility and aesthetic appeal that they've used ETFE to design the new Olympic stadium in Bejing.
Understand Natural and Man-Made Heating Systems
When residential architects design homes, they have a huge opportunity to save residents heating costs. Certain rooms can be designed to maximize the sun, keeping a home naturally warmer in winter. Solar technology is becoming increasingly affordable for the homeowner who wants to make a big difference. States are rapidly developing incentive programs to spur further investment in alternative energy. Residential architects who understand how to work with eco-friendly methods and materials will be better positioned to succeed.
Sources
About the Author
Alayna Buckner lives and works in Washington, DC. She studied Public Policy at Stanford University, and is in the process of going green.
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