home design, home architect, residential architects, california

Home Design

As with most things that we purchase we choose a home that we want, not one that we need. This is the result of past experiences. We choose a home that mirrors or has features and rooms that we can relate to, ones where we felt comfortable or relaxed. If sustainable homes are more desirable than the style and types of homes built in the past, then it is time to think outside the box.

Construction systems are many and varied and each has advantages and disadvantages depending on climate, distance from source of supply, budget and desired style and appearance.

Choose a building system that is best suited to the location and climate. This will ultimately provide savings in construction and maintenance and decrease environmental impact. New housing does not take these into consideration.

New housing tends to be built to a formula that is accepted in one area and then transferred elsewhere with no adjustment to accommodate regional differences.

Quite simply once a model becomes accepted and popular it is easier to replicate in new markets without consideration of regional differences in climate. Buyers are comfortable with a familiar style that speaks of certain community values.

Optimum performance and function are trade offs as long as the home is in style and big. The end result is homes that offer no increased comfort or lifestyle improvements and quite often cost more to build and have negative impact on the environment.

Things to consider:

* The number of bedrooms you need now and in the future.
* Space in hallways can be a waste, design for more living area instead.
* Make best use of the views.
* Shade all windows from summer sun.
* Make best use of natural light.
* Create cool, shaded areas for outdoor living in summer.
* Use the sun's energy for free winter warmth.
* Design in utility areas for garbage bins, clothes-line, etc.
* Add storage space such as wardrobes, cupboards, shelving, etc.
* Include an en suite bathroom or well designed three-way bathroom.

Good design creates a home better suited to your lifestyle for about the same cost as an "average" home of similar size. Your home can look good, feel good and be better for your health and the environment.

Accommodate your changing lifestyle with adaptable design. Plan your home so it can be modified to suit future needs at little cost or effort. Good design accommodates everyone regardless of age, mobility or lifestyle.

Plan carefully and think about your future!

Using Passive Design

Passive design simply makes the most of local conditions to make your home more comfortable while reducing your bills. Passive design costs no more when included at the planning stage.
Climate has a large impact on passive design. Strategies for tropical climates are different from those used for temperate climates, which are different again from those used for alpine climates.
Good passive design uses natural heat from the sun and natural night-time cooling to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year round. It can eliminate or reduce the need for expensive mechanical heating and cooling.
A great majority of Americans live in homes that work against the climate, rather than with it.
These houses are energy inefficient, too cold or too hot and comparatively expensive to run. Similarly, most homes use far more water than necessary, and are made of materials that can damage your health and the environment.
Building a home using good design principles can save energy, water and money, while creating a more enjoyable and comfortable home.

Passive Solar Heating

Passive design in tropical climates uses lightweight materials, shade and natural ventilation to keep your home cool year round.
Most of the passive heating and cooling occurs through your windows. Northerly orientation, eaves and simple shading features can keep out summer sun and allow in winter sun.
Dense materials cool the air in summer by absorbing excess heat and heat the air in winter by releasing stored warmth. In the tropics, lightweight materials may be more appropriate as they cool more quickly.
Insulation in the roof, walls and often under the floor will make your home more comfortable and reduce your heating and cooling bills. There are two main types of insulation - bulk and reflective. Most homes benefit from both types of insulation.
Once all these features are designed into your home, you need never think about them again. They simply keep working "passively" to keep you comfortable, year in and year out - for free.

Matching your home to the land

"Your home should work with the sun and not against it.

Your home should take full advantage of sun travel, slope, breezes, views, existing vegetation and other unique characteristics.

Design or choose your home to enjoy these benefits:

*Take advantage of natural light and the natural heating and cooling influences of the sun, breezes and vegetation.
*Ideally, the longest axis of your home and living areas should run east to west but passive design can be used in any orientation.
*The north face soaks up sunlight when you need it and can be shaded when you don't.
*Locate your main living areas in this north facing zone.

Take care to design or choose a plan that suits your particular building block. Correct orientation maximises all the benefits of passive design.

The cost of implementing good design ranges from a net saving through to a significant up-front investment that will be repaid throughout the life of the home but increase its value in the future.

Correct house orientation is FREE.