•-.-It
-
8
SCREEN PORCH
The porch is
positioned to capture
southeasterly
breezes. Doors lead
from the porch to the
living room for added
light and airflow.
9
METAL ROOF
The Galvalume
metal roof is made
from post-industrial
recycled steel. It
resists cracking
and corrosion, and
its light color
deflects heat.
Ю
CARPORT
Attached
garages can allow
gas and paint fum es
and other toxins into
the home. This
detached carport
improves indoor
air quality.
W hat makes
a home green?
The words“green building” may
conjure images of solar-powered
pods, rammed-earth dwellings,
or just plain weird houses.‘That’s
why Pm increasingly using the term
‘high-performance building,’” says
architect Peter Pfeiffer. Here are
the top three characteristics of a
h igh-performance house:
Saves energy
“Saving anything, whether water
or energy or money, is always the
most obvious way to reduceyour
cost of living and impact on the
environment,” Pfeiffer says. Having
energy-savingmechanical systems
(such as hydronic water heaters,
low-flow toilets,and Energy-Star-
rated appliances) in a well-insulated
homeiskeytothatgoal.
Improves health
“Weshouldn’t sleep with our cars
anymore,” Pfeiffer says. Detached
garages or carports ensurethat
toxic air keeps its distance. Green-
built houses also use nontoxic paint
and have carefully sized heating and
airconditioningsystems, which
thoroughlyfilteranddehumidifythe
air. In addition,these houses make
use of high-quality exhaust fans and
offer ways to bring in fresh air.
Reduces impact
“It’s easier to build houses in a city
wherethereare already lots,utilities,
and services set upfor housing to
exist,” Pfeiffer says, so building on
infill property is inherently eco-
f riend ly.“Stores and schools are
already nearby; so are utilities like
sewer, water,and electricity.Truly
buildinggreen means not havingto
createeverythinganew.”
