Planet-friendly

The need for energy-efficient house design has never been greater. However, some people still imagine that environmentally sustainable design means saying goodbye to fine aesthetics, when nothing could be further from the case.

This residence, by architects Marcie Meditch and John Murphey, goes far beyond design features that reduce electricity and water bills it can actually achieve zero net energy use.

"This project was driven by my ambition to create a design that would check all the boxes in terms of energy conservation while retaining the looks and comfort of an attractive family home," says Marcie Meditch. "A committed environmentalist spotted the green features and bought the house before it was even complete."

This is all the more remarkable, as most of these elements are unobtrusively placed. Many techniques were used to reduce overall energy consumption as far as possible.

"We started with a super-insulated skin and high-performance windows," John Murphey says. "These save on heating and cooling costs and reduce the size of the mechanical system required. We worked with mechanical engineering consultants to specify a high-efficiency ground-source heat pump to further reduce energy needs by using the earth's temperature to reduce heating and cooling loads. This geothermal, below-ground system has the added advantage of being very quiet."

Passive cooling through cross ventilation and operable exterior awnings also help keep the home cool through the summer.

What power the home does use is supplied by a combination of photovoltaic and solar hot water panels, set discreetly on the roof.

Energy Star lighting and appliances were specified to further minimize requirements. Interior finishes include recycled or reclaimed materials, reducing embodied energy. Water efficiency and sustainable landscaping were other key elements in the design philosophy.

"Water recirculation pumps were installed to avoid losing heat as hot water travels to the tapware," says Meditch. "Outside, at the rear, rain barrels collect rain for watering the garden, while the green roof and rain garden mitigate stormwater runoff assisted by pervious paving on the driveway."

Drought-tolerant plants and non-invasive species were used for the landscaping, saving water and the gardener's own energy output.

The age-in-place design also allows the owners to occupy the home throughout their lifetime, utilizing the handicap-adaptable first floor another long-term green advantage.

The home was designed to earn a platinum rating under the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes program. It is likely to succeed.

Story by: Trendsideas