The concept of green architecture isn’t a new one. Native cultures have lived and built in harmony with nature for centuries.
Today’s residential green architecture—sometimes called sustainable architecture, earth-friendly architecture, or environmentally-conscious architecture—uses these same principles. Working in partnership with the environment, green architecture provides shelter while minimizing a building’s impact on earth’s natural ecosystems.
The Philosophy of Residential Green Architecture
Residential green architecture employs renewable energy sources, energy conservation, non-toxic and renewable building materials, and careful site selection – to reduce a building’s impact on the environment. Environmentally conscious architects select earth-friendly building materials and construction practices. The overriding principle of sustainable residential architecture is to minimize a building’s harmful effects on its environment and its inhabitants.
Those who choose green architecture make a conscious choice about reducing the impact they have on the planet, preserving it for future generations.
Elements of Residential Green Architecture
When people hear the term “Green Architecture”, many think of rooftop gardens and solar panels. While these are two elements commonly found in sustainable residential design, there’s a lot more to consider in the design and construction of sustainable homes. Some common characteristics of earth-friendly homes include:
Optimal site selection and orientation to take advantage of a site’s naturally occurring environmental conditions, including wind, sunlight and shading
High performance building envelopes that dramatically reduce a building’s heating and cooling requirements
Efficient space planning that provides enhanced livability within a smaller building footprint
Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
Low-flow plumbing fixtures that reduce water usage
Energy-efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
Utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass
Utilization of locally sourced materials such as stone and responsibly-harvested woods
Creative reuse of existing buildings and repurposing of salvaged architectural materials
Utilization of non-toxic, non-synthetic materials
Native vegetation landscaping – planned to minimize water consumption and maximize solar cooling
The Benefits of Residential Green Architecture
Sustainable, or green, building practices present huge benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment. Green buildings protect ecosystems, improve air and water quality, reduce solid waste and preserve natural resources. Green buildings also improve indoor air quality, temperature regulation, acoustics, occupant health, comfort, and provide a higher quality of life, in general.
Green homes also offer big financial benefits to owners. In sustainable structures, operating costs are reduced, utility bills drop, re-sale values improve. All these factors combined allow owners to recoup construction investments more quickly.
The Human Factor In Green Architecture
So, how can we transition from traditional home design and building practices to practices that are more sustainable? It all comes down to education and awareness.
The increasing interest in sustainability in architecture can be attributed, in part, to the concern and commitment of those who take an active interest in preserving the earth.
If you plan to build a new home or renovate an existing one, help minimize its negative impact on the environment. Consider making your next home a green home. Click below to receive more information about modern green homes and begin creating your dream home today.
Harry Hunt has worked in and across a wide range of contexts—from commercial and residential buildings, to urban planning, interiors, and landscapes. Harry is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and is a Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) accredited professional through the United States Green Building Council. He is certified with the Passive House Institute (PHI) in Darmstadt, Germany and is registered with the National Council of Architectural Registration Board. Harry is a registered architect in Vermont.
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