S/he will likely design the structure taking account of site factors, orientation, passive solar issues, the environmental impacts of materials used, material recycling, the use of renewable energy technologies, solid and liquid waste management, water conservation, design for disassembly and building reuse, etc. The structure will then be built according to this design approach, it will be rated according to one of he many hundreds of environmental rating systems and thereafter claimed sustainable. But unless what actually occurs within the building and the actual activities of the organisation that it houses significantly advances sustainment, claims to sustainability are all but meaningless.
~ Tony Fry

SUSTAINABILITY DESIGN FEATURES

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

  • Building is laid out on east-west axis with major fenestration facing south and north. East and west facing fenestration is shaded with thermal mass screen walls.
  • Sloped roof of approximately 32 degrees faces south with 1500 square feet of area optimally oriented for solar applications.
  • South facing glazing is shaded by horizonal projections for complete shading at noon on June 21st and unshaded at noon on December 21st.
  • Shading Devices are integrated with the home automation system to automatically respond to changing
    environmental conditions.
  • Freestanding gabion rock walls protect east and west elevations, with gabion cages are filled with both
    recycled concrete and rock from the site providing shading and release of heat at night.
  • Exposed concrete floors and walls are used as thermal masses cooling during the day and releasing heat at
    night.
  • Solar Chimney-five story central shaft with operable skylights at top allows hot air to rise and exit through
    skylights by convection. Skylights are controlled by home automation system equiped with temperature
    sensors.
  • Parking area is equipped with vehicle turntable allowing smaller parking area footprint, reducing local heat
    island effects.
  • Home Automation system controls heating and air conditioning, lighting, shade control, energy management,
    skylights, and irrigation and is integrated with home weather station.
  • Electric car charger is provided in two locations.

SUSTAINABLE SITE

  • Landscape Plan preserves existing native drought tolerant trees and plants (including existing cactus) and
    removes the few existing invasive plants. Plan does not include any areas of traditional turf. Less than 40%
    of property area is developed.
  • Irrigation system is designed by Certified Irrigation Designer with central shutoff valve, utilizing drip
    irrigation with separate zones for each type of bedding area, and is integrated with rainwater cistern system.
  • Irrigation system is controlled by home automation system programmed to provide irrigation at optimal time of day or night and is integrated with home weather station providing moisture data.
  • System is designed to reduce irrigation demand by a minimum of 50% of normal usuage.
  • Necessary paved areas are located in northeast quadrant of site so that building provides shading and
    speciality shading devices such as sailcloth provide additional shading.
  • Driveways incorporate open pavers with permeable areas and are reflective and light colored.
  • Permeable driveway surfaces are employed in combination with a rainwater cistern capturing all rooftop and deck rainwater to control erosion.
  • Hillside erosion is also controlled with a terraced permeable switchback trail with natural terracing and retaining

WATER EFFICIENCY

  • Rainwater from roof and decks is collected in cistern system and stored for use in irrigation system.
  • All plumbing fixtures meet U.S. EPA WaterSense specifications.

ENERGY and ATMOSPHERE

  • All exterior windows and doors are low E, dual glazed, Energy Star Rated. All exterior doors and windows are shaded with automated shades and / or switched glass integrated with home automation system programmed to operate shades based upon time of day and temperature.
  • Heating and AC System equipment and ductwork are located within conditioned spaces and Energy Star Rated.
  • REG will commission completed HVAC System.

Water Heating

  • Plumbing System is designed with a recirculation loop, all hot water piping with minimum R-4 insulation and high efficiency water heater.

Lighting

  • Lighting System is designed with LED fixtures, and all fixtures integrated with home automation system and all exterior lighting on motion sensors.

Appliances

  • Appliances are all Energy Star Rated with Energy Star Rated ceiling fans in bedrooms and home gym.

Renewable Energy

  • 9KW photovoltaic system is designed to provide more than 75% of required energy consumption.
  • Solar Water and solar shading devices provide both domestic hot water and pool / spa heating.

MATERIALS and RESOURCES

  • Material Efficient Framing – Detailed framing documents are being prepared employing prefabricated
    wood trusses and metal studs.
  • Products with high recycled content from local sources are being specified.
  • Construction Protocols are in place to recycle construction debris including waste packaging cardboard, beverage containers, and building materials.
  • Waster haulers have a minimum 70% recycling rate of construction waste.
  • Existing house on site was “deconstructed” with all possible items recycled.
  • Existing concrete is being reused for use in gabion walls and site retaining walls.

AWARENESS & EDUCATION

  • Complete manual with all necessary information including proper operation and maintenance of all elements.
  • Public Awareness – Extensive web site with resources, design documentation, and inspiration will be launced
    to educate professionals and the general public regarding the project’s development.
  • The owners are initiating a “Demo House” contract with select vendors, professionals, sub-contractors, and other contracted parties to allow the project to be used as a “Demonstration” project available for
    tours.

Nature is a totally efficient, self-regenerating system. If we discover the laws that govern this system and live synergistically within them, sustainability will follow and humankind will be a success.
~ Buckminster Fuller