September 22nd, 2009
Straw Bale Home in Sonoma County
Stumble it!
Passive solar design is the most economical way to provide heat for a home and also reduce cooling loads. But what do you do when passive solar design is impractical because your lot or the surrounding terrain makes it challenging or impossible? You make sure the home is very well insulated and install a very efficient heating and cooling systems. That’s what Henry Siegel, an architect from San Francisco based firm Siegel & Strain Architects, did for his family’s weekend home in Sonoma County. 
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Popularity: 28% [?]
August 24th, 2009
Net Zero Home in Chicago Boasts Graywater System
A new home in Chicago is touting itself is a model for green homes in the area and boasts graywater recycling, rainwater collection, solar passive design and an impressive solar system. The beautiful residence in the Ravenwood area is slated to be the first LEED Platinum home in Chicago, and it’s no surprise really considering the home is also net zero. Read on for more details about this stunning home and all the green design elements that are included.
Popularity: 6% [?]
August 17th, 2009
Zero Energy Home in San Francisco
Homes of the future will go beyond including green design elements, low VOC paints, and solar systems. Homes of the future will be carbon neutral, generate all their own power, some of their own food and have integrated systems to increase energy efficiency, reduce water consumption and minimize waste. Plans for the first Zero Energy House in San Francisco are underway, and this house will be a model of efficiency and green design to other homes in the area. Not only is the Zero Energy House by LSarc carbon neutral, but it includes a solar system on the roof and many integrated systems to make for one very sustainable house.
Popularity: 7% [?]
July 31st, 2009
Domespace Homes Rotate With The Sun
In passive solar design, a home is oriented with the main axis running east and west so that the home faces essentially south (or north if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere). With this orientation and lots of south-facing windows, the home is passively heated by the sun in the winter. With proper window shading, the windows will stay shaded during the summer, minimizing heat gain. But what if instead of properly aligning your home for the sun, your home actually followed the sun? That’s the idea behind the Domespace Homes in France and now their sister company, Solaleya in the US.
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Popularity: 17% [?]
