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Green home design
 

What does Green Home Design really mean?

We at Art Guy Design believe it is consideration for form, space and dwelling while utilizing techniques and materials, either reclaimed or recycled, so that a house fits the land and does minimal damage to the environment. Green can apply to a structure in several ways - Use of Technology (photovoltaic solar cells, high SEER HVAC, CFLs, thermal pane windows); Use of Materials (permeable material driveway, e-crete block); Use of Resources (passive solar cells, water reclamation, use of local materials, gray water irrigation) ; and Use of Common Sense (structure orientation, below ground return air, duct work within the insulated building envelope, cross ventilation, passive heating, natural lighting, natural landscape.)

When should Green Home Design be utilized?

Although Green Home Design (aka Sustainable Design) is all the rage these days, we tend to take a sensible approach in that the use of green building materials and sustainable architecture must make sense for the project and the client’s budget.

Is your house too big?

Recently, a well-known architect, in regard to the proliferation of large homes being built at a staggering rate, made the the following statement: "In twenty years, they will all be gone." We hope his prophesy is correct. These homes are too big and not thoughtfully or efficiently designed or built. By utilizing space creatively, there is no need for these ten thousand square foot McMansions. Homes need to be designed to afford flexible spaces. Most of us don't use or need a formal dining room, as the kitchen has become the heart of the home. Kitchens, then, should open up into a great room/living area so that entertaining can be a pleasant exchange of ideas and conversation while the host prepares a meal. The Victorian concept of the massive entrance and living room must be re-evaluated. Spaces that are rarely used or poorly used, such as foyers that only serve as transition areas, can be re-defined or eliminated.
It is past time to re-assess our day-to-day life-style so that we are not dependent on foreign resources. This may mean that we make sacrifices in the years ahead such as building smaller homes and driving automobiles that consume less energy. The idea of commonplace excess is rapidly becoming antiquated.

What is the LEED Green Building Rating System?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction. Clearly, this system is a positive and functional means to define and identifying the extent of sustainability in building design However, We believe that there is no “check box” for a common sense in architectural design.

What are some sensible ways we can utilize
Green Home Design?

• Orientation of the home to suitably take advantage of the sun. If a home faces south, proper overhangs can be utilized to allow the sun to flow inside during the winter months, but also offer shade during the summer months.
• Reduction of water usage through the reclamation of rain water and the appropriate use of gray water.
• Reduction of energy dependence through the use of solar or wind generated power.
• Use of natural materials in construction such as earth, wood, straw bale, bamboo, and concrete.
• Utilizing salvaged and recycled materials such as bamboo, cork, natural fiber carpets, recycled wood, concrete flooring and countertops, green countertop laminates made from recycled plastics, locally mined natural stone, recycled terrazzo, metal tiles, recycled glass, and even recycled currency.
• Reduction of the heat island effect (common in the desert) through the use of top-of-building vegetation and thick, natural close to the structure.

Why is Green Home Design important?

It is clear to us that we are heading towards Peak Oil and that we should be more mindful of our environment and precious resources. The consequences of our excesses may be upon us before we know it. The time is now to build or renovate utilizing these concepts as much as it makes sense for the project.

How can you, the consumer, make your home and your lifestyle more earth-friendly or eco-wise?

You don’t have to chuck your house in the city, move to the countryside and build from the ground up in order to live with more consideration for the environment. Here are some tips on living green and creating a more sustainable lifestyle:
• Get yourself a canvas grocery bag – think about all the plastic and paper bags that are wasted after trips to the grocery store. If this is the only thing you do, you will significantly reduce the amount of grocery bags that end up in landfills.
• Reduce, re-use, recycle. Participate in your community’s recycling program or start one if need be.
• As your appliances age and need to be replaced, use energy efficient models. We tend to think too short term. A more efficient air conditioner may cost more, but it will save you money over the long term.
• Use the cold setting on your washing machine. Most clothes don’t need warm water to be clean.
• Replace your old single pane windows with energy efficient, low-e, double pane windows. Not only will you be more comfortable, your electricity bill will decrease and your home will look great. If you can’t afford to replace your windows, calk around them. This will help reduce air leakage.
• Put ceiling fans in every room in your house. Ceiling fans circulate the air making the room seem cooler. We can’t do without ceiling fans in Arizona
• As you need to replace flooring in your home, use renewable resources such as bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood
• Plant low-water shade trees on the west side of your home. Shade is so important in Arizona and can reduce your electric bill dramatically
• Replace all your incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact florescent light bulbs). This not only reduces heat in your home, it decreases energy usage.
• Combine errands and trips when driving. Ask yourself it’s really necessary to drive all the way across town for an errand. Carpool, ride your bike, buy an energy-efficient car.

Art Guy design would love to assist you with your home project utilizing green home design as it makes sense for your project. We can design and build your home in the Scottsdale, Phoenix area, or we can assist you with design if you live outside Arizona.

outdoor living
 

Over 300 sunny days per year

Arizona residents are extremely fortunate to have the freedom to enjoy the outdoors most of the year. For this reason, it makes sense to take advantage of the outdoor spaces available to us by creating outdoor living rooms and outdoor kitchens.
Outdoor living is both trendy and practical right now. Being able to utilize the outdoors most of the year adds to our quality of life. Design trends are finally catching up with demand, giving us a multitude of choices for outdoor living. Everything from living room furniture made for the outdoors, moveable umbrellas, shade sails, decorative lighting, to heating choices all allow us to take advantage of what nature offers us in Arizona.

Nine Steps to Creating Your Outdoor Living Area

If you're in the market for a new outdoor space, the following nine steps will help you create the living room or kitchen of your dreams.

1. research styles
Browse the internet, magazines, and home improvement stores to gauge your design and style preferences.

2. Determine the function of the space
Will you use it year round or just in certain seasons? Do you want creative use of the space? Don't self limit. Consider all the possible uses.

3. Create a wish list
For example, do you want a built-in seating area, a stock dining set, or a bar eating area? Do you want a fire pit? Do you want a water feature? Do you want just a grill or a fully functioning kitchen?

4. Orient the space
If possible, you may want to place the elements of the outdoor kitchen to coincide with those of the indoor kitchen so as to allow for a pass-through or other convenient or shared-use functionalities. This will also make sense when it comes time to tap into existing plumbing and electrical services.

5. Consider the view
What is your view from each outdoor space? You most likely cannot alter the view, but you can maximize a good one, or minimize a bad one.

6. account for seasonal changes
If you want to use the space during our hot summers, a misting system will add many months of usability. Consider a fire pit or movable heater for the winter months.

7. Consider landscaping
Plants, shrubs, and trees contribute to both the aesthetics and function of the space. Landscaping can afford a cooler environment, a calming sense to the spirit, and a dance of color for the eye. It can soften the contrast between the hardscape and the spaces beyond.

8. Don't overlook lighting!
Lighting is as important outside as it is inside. You want to highlight focal areas to create a warm and cozy space. From strings of lights hanging in trees to candle holders staked into the ground – these can all add to the magical feeling of the outdoor room.

9. Call a design professional
A licensed designer/contractor can take your ideas, make suggestions, and add design elements you may not have considered. Try to use someone who designs in 3D so that you can best visualize being in the space before it's built.

Creative Outdoor Living Areas FAQ

How much does it cost to create an outdoor living area?
Depending upon the scale of the project, you could spend anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 - $60,000. The variables that determine cost are limitless.

Does it make sense to consider a water feature in my outdoor space?
Outdoor living goes hand in hand with water. Imagine the soft sounds of waterfalls, fountains, and pools. Some of our clients have even requested ponds with fish and water vegetation. Koi offer a spirituality to a space.

Does an outdoor living space add to the value of my home?
Like all remodeling projects, you can expect a significant return on investment from this type of project. Many experts say that a 100% return on investment is not uncommon because it adds an entire new living space to the home.

What materials are suitable for outdoor living?
Floors: tile, slate, stained concrete, travertine
Counter tops: concrete, granite, natural stone, solid surface
Appliances: stainless steel made for the outdoors is sensible because it tends to be anti-corrosive.

For Scottsdale, Phoenix Arizona Metro Clients – we would love to assist you with your creative outdoor living project. Be sure to review our CREATIVE HOME DESIGN SERVICES.