Green Home Building Is Gaining Momentum

Green homes are expected to make up to ten percent of new home construction over the next several years, according to a study done by McGraw-Hill Construction. Homeowners are interested in purchasing green homes because of the benefits they offer -- from healthier indoor air to energy savings.

What are some of the primary benefits of a green home? Such a home is constructed with much thought given to the materials used in construction. Building materials are expected to be toxin-free, sustainable and energy-efficient. The use of toxin-free building materials helps combat indoor air pollution. Since we are exposed to the air in our homes as much or more often than outside air, indoor pollution can pose serious health risks to residents. A healthier home means fewer visits to the doctor and hopefully fewer respiratory problems.

Besides potential health savings, the net cost of owning a green home is typically comparable to, if not cheaper than a standard home. People who live in green homes save money by consuming less energy and fewer resources than standard homes. The savings add up over the years in decreased energy and water bills.

Insurance companies are becoming convinced that green may be the way to go. More and more insurance companies are offering discounts on policies covering green homes. Similarly, there are even a few mortgage companies offering discounted loan rates for home buyers buying green.

Here are some of the reasons for the heightened interest and discounts offered by the business community:

A green home is often more durable than standard homes because of its high-quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.

The value of a green home is often higher than that of a comparable standard home, and the market demand for green homes is expected to rise. A green housing development in New York has demonstrated the ability to command ten to fifteen percent higher rental rates than comparable units in the surrounding area.

And local, state and federal governments are increasingly offering tax breaks and incentives for building a green home or adding green features to an existing home.

What are some of the features of a green home? Efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping and water-conserving irrigation systems help green homes use less water than standard homes. This feature will become increasingly important as the prospect of water shortages loom in some parts of the country.

Because many green building materials incorporate significant recycled content, they require the use of fewer natural resources. The amount of excess building materials dumped in landfills is significantly less than the amount generated by traditional practices.

Some green homes incorporate carpets and floor tiles from recycled tires and bottles. Other homes use salvaged materials or renewable and sustainable products, such as bamboo, hemp and soybean. Homeowners can choose countertops made from recycled street lights and other recycled glass.

Low-volatile organic compound paints and finishes inside the home reduce exposure to toxic chemicals. Formaldehyde-free insulation also insures fewer dangerous chemicals are released into the atmosphere.

Energy-efficient appliances, insulation, roofing materials, doors and windows lower heating and cooling bills.

In many cases, builders are also including universal design elements into green homes. These designs, which include wider doorways, no stairs, flat entries and accessible bathrooms, sinks and showers, assure that people with varying abilities can live in and age in their homes and their neighborhoods.

Preston Sandlin is a home inspector and real estate investor in Charlotte NC. He has been performing home inspections and buying real estate in Charlotte NC for over 12 years. He is a member of the North Carolina Home Inspector's Association, the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association, and the BBB.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Preston_Sandlin

Aesthetic And Sustainable Architecture

I recently attended a global eco design conference. Whilst the basic principles of a sustainable house such as insulation, ventilation and orientation to suit the climate were good - the resulting houses seemed to lack something. They didn't seem to have much intrinsic beauty or elegance.

The only principle that was mentioned that excited me was "bio-mimicry" - copying nature. Although the concept has been around for some time, it has been brought to prominence recently by by Janine Benyus in her book ""Biomimicry, Innovation Inspired by Nature". It was mentioned at the conference by Ray Anderson - an American manufacturer of commercial carpet tiles who is trying to make his company more sustainable and it was also touched on by Dr David Suzuki - the famous environmentalist - who also spoke at the conference. It seems to be the latest buzz word.

Perhaps it is the fact that Vedic houses - those based on ancient Sthapatya Vedic principles - are also based on natural design that makes them have a better feeling and which makes them look more appealing.

I have had a house built according to these principles. It faces true East and is aligned to the cardinal points. This design in accordance with natural laws is called "Vastu". You enter from the East and North sides only. One of the main guiding principles is that everything good comes from the East. But this doesn't mean that you can't also design your house to suit the climate (in my case the tropics) and filter the light if necessary and have large eves.

So the design corresponds to the effect of light on the earth - to the effect of the sun. In fact you can work out what true North is simply by observing what the sun does to the shadows it creates at different times of day. You can also use a GPS to confirm it.

In Vedic architecture the placement and dimensions of the rooms, as well as the length, width and elevation of the building are individually calculated. The measurements are based on ancient mathematical formulas. These formulas take into consideration, among other factors, the relationship of the house owner with the planets according to Jyotish (Indian Astrology). So the design relates to the people - it isn't based on some man-made notions of what would be good.

According to Vedic principles, the nourishing aspects of the house are placed on the East side of the house just as the rising sun coming from the East provides nourishment. So the meditation room is placed in the North East corner to nourish the spiritual aspects of the individuals in the house. The kitchen which nourishes the physiology is placed in the South-East. The North is considered the best side of the house in which to pursue creative activities and so that is where the study is located. The Western side of the house embodies the qualities of the setting sun - that being relaxation, calmness and restful sleep. So it is the best side on which to locate bedrooms and relaxation rooms. So in this sense, they are also mimicking nature.

I think that a lot of houses these days lack the fine details (see http://www.newhousebuilding.com). We used to have the beauty of ornate cornices and ceilings shaped like flowers and so on. When Ray Anderson talked about bio-mimicry he gave the example of his carpet tile designers going into the forest. They found that every part of it was different and that no two leaves or other parts of it were the same and yet the overall effect was one of unity. So he decided to make a range of tiles where no one tile was the same as the other. They were very popular. This also explains the beauty of marble tiles - no one tile is ever the same as all the others.

Vedic houses have this attention to detail and their aesthetic beauty arises as a result of it. For example, the house is elevated on a plinth which makes it appear more grand and stately and the roof is adorned with an intricately shaped and curved kalash. Modern sustainable houses need to learn some of these principles so that they too will be satisfying on all levels and not just functional.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Chambers

Sustainable Home Decorating With Natural Fiber Rugs

If your house was built before the eco-friendly design craze, you may be asking yourself how you can contribute to the "green movement" without the energy-efficient architecture or the 100% organic building materials. There are in fact many ways for homeowners with older residences to develop environmentally sound practices within their households. Improving your sustainability does not have to be expensive or time-consuming either; there are many quick and inexpensive fixes that make major differences.

Simple changes, such as switching from regular light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, are not only more sustainable environmentally, but also economically. Similarly, ensuring that you fix any major drafts in doors and windows will save energy as well as money off your bills.

Whether you have an older house that needs constant attention or your home only requires the occasional repair, careful thought should be dedicated to any renovation projects-big or small. Before beginning the work, plan out every detail involved in the design aspects as well as materials in order to avoid running into glitches that could potentially waste time, energy and supplies.

Consult online resources to determine which products have the least amount of environmental repercussions. If you are contracting out any work, evaluate the builder's familiarity with sustainable design and construction. For do-it-yourself projects, be sure not to overestimate your expertise because having to completely restart work is wasteful as well.

Decorating and interior design are also important factors in improving household sustainability. Because "organic" and "green" have become such trendy modifiers, make sure you are not tricked by misleading marketing. Just because a product's packaging is green in color does not make it green in concept. When it comes to decorating in a sustainable fashion, the options are endless. Today you can find organic or environmentally friendly alternatives to nearly every household item.

Investing in sustainable home decor can be a weighty decision since most furniture, lighting and accessories tend to have long lifetimes. If you are not ready to purchase a large item such as a couch or dining room table, accessories such as natural fiber area rugs may be a good first step towards sustainability. Just like any remodeling work, research is equally important when making interior decorating decisions.

Natural fiber rugs can be found very easily in retail outlets and on online stores. The name suggests an earthy, simple design; however, there are also very high-quality refined styles. Living interiors with any composition can be enhanced by the addition of a natural fiber rug.

Rugs vary in material and include sisal area rugs, wool area rugs, seagrass area rugs and jute area rugs. Weaves range in smoothness with some accentuating the fiber texture while others tend to hide it. Area rugs made of refined piled jute have a softer feel and a more sophisticated, contemporary style. The seagrass rugs found in the Botanical Blends collection by Fibreworks emphasize the beautiful natural materials. With style names like "Garden Grove," "Spring Twine," and "Summer Lace," you can imagine these accessories perfectly in a sunroom, screened-in porch or patio.

A potpourri look can be found in rugs with a blend of different natural fibers. This option portrays a traditional country feel that would warm up the flooring of a kitchen or family room. While neutrals and subtle tones are the norm for natural fiber rugs, you can also find varieties in vibrant colors to match any room accents.

Whether you are just beginning to "green-up" your living space, or you are well on your way, consider natural fiber rugs when making new home decorating decisions.

Rachel Messina is a decorating enthusiast, a writer and Internet marketing specialist with Mountain Media, an eCommerce solutions firm that works with clients such as Georgia Mills Direct, an online source for natural fiber rugs including seagrass area rugs and sisal area rugs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Messina

The Natural House - Pilot

"The Natural House, is a thirty minute home tour, building and ‘workshop’ series that illustrates how homeowners incorporate innovative architectural design, natural building materials, and flexible construction techniques to create uniquely livable homes that reflect principles of harmony, economy, self-reliance, health and ecological balance. Each of the first thirteen episodes – and twenty six homes – will introduce viewers to unique houses and homeowners, forward looking builders, and visionary designers who have created sustainable homes utilizing the latest innovative sustainable and green technologies. In addition, each program in the series will include two on The Natural House pilot has been produced and directed by Ed Eberle."