the natural home working with what you’ve got. what is natural/green building? current...

The Natural HomeWorking With What You’ve Got

What is Natural/Green Building?Current Definitions:

• Buildings made from natural materials (earth, straw, clay, stone) and/or recycled materials

• Superinsulated systems (ICFs, AAC, SIPs)• Super energy efficient systems• Building with few toxic chemicals and/or

synthetic mateirals• Buildings that use alternative sources of energy• Super-durable structures & components

Green Building: A combination of design elements and materials that take into account the impact of a building on its surroundings and inhabitants.

Whole Picture Includes:• Earth• Human Health• Energy (embodied & ongoing

use)• Availability of materials• Budget• Skills• Aesthetics• Other Values

Plan in accordance with your values

Make a list of green values in order of importance to you. Use this list when making decisions about your project.

Green Aspects of Remodeling/Retrofitting

• Much embodied energy already spent (foundation, structure)

• Materials can be re-used

• Site has already been disturbed and (possibly) restored

Challenges of existing homes in Silver City area

• Under-insulated• Single-pane windows• Little regard for solar

orientation• Small size• Generally outdated

A Green Project Needs a Green Budget

• Be Realistic!• Plan on $20-$100/sf

depending on use of space, + 12-20% contingency

• Include funds for special, beautiful elements

• Green building has more costs up-front, less cost long-term– Quality Materials: Do-

it-once

– Alternative Energy? Do your pay-back math.

Determine your priorities and needs

• Occupant Health (non-toxic, non-emitting materials)

• Energy Efficiency (tight envelope)

• Natural Materials (earth, straw, stone, wood)

• Consider relationships between priorities

Solutions for staying within Budget

• Consider YOUR needs, not the next owner’s

• Design multi-purpose spaces

• Shift use with the seasons

• Practice resource conservation

Super-cheap Heat & Cool

• Basic Principle: Let sun in or keep sun out– Use shade cloth in summer

(without replacing windows)

– Trap cool air in summer– Clay plaster adds thermal

mass to any wall

• Alternative heat sources--our climate is well suited for efficient wood & pellet stoves

Do-It-Yourself

• Don’t underestimate the power of resurfacing

• Paint, plaster, refinish floors

• Your labor will help you afford better materials

Resurfacing, cont’d:Using what you have

• Keep material out of the landfill

• Save money by making what you’ve got into something you love!

Reuse existing elements of home

• Especially wood, concrete, stone

• Re-Store is a good source for other items

• Great DIY activities

Silver City ReStoreHabitat for Humanity

Think small(er)

• Smaller spaces cost less total and use less resources

• Augment small indoor spaces with outdoor space

• Outdoor spaces cost less

• Create habitat to offset building

• Grow food for inhabitants

Your Green Home

• View your remodel as a process--do things right, do them once, do what you love

• Make energy efficiency upgrades, but also find solutions in the meantime

• Use our climate to your advantage--extend your living space, interact with your home to keep it comfortable.