Sustainable Energy Efficiency Focused Architectural Drafting, Custom Home Design and Residential Design and Drafting
There are numerous valid definitions of Sustainable Design. Here are the key aspects we try to focus on with an emphasis from top to bottom of the list.
Sustainable architecture aims to incorporate structural and Plumbing, HVAC systems and Electrical systems in building designs that engage positively with their surroundings. Our emphasis on sustainable design leans towards the following:
- Walls which are highly insulated, air barrier focused and significantly better designed that the typical homes wood framed wall systems.
- Energy Star® rated energy-efficient lighting fixtures and appliances
- Energy Star® rated efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems
- Energy Star® rated water-saving plumbing fixtures
- Energy Star® rated windows placed strategically to maximize natural light
- Landscaping with native vegetation
- Incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power
- Using local construction materials to reduce transportation distance and costs
- Incorporating old structures and using recycled materials
- Focused drainage systems including the incorporation of rainwater recycling if it makes sense to do so. In Idaho our climate is not always rainfall heavy at times so the expense to focus on rainwater reclamation is often one of the last items on the list.