From everyday items like clocks to large outdoor structures, we’ve gotten an idea of the extensive possibilities of parametrically-generated design. Earlier this year, students from China’s Tongji University created an interesting prototype for a prefab house that combines both passive and active energy strategies for the European Solar Decathalon, held in Madrid, Spain.
The most intriguing finding, however, had to do with what seems to be a falloff of interest in LEED certification. In Turner’s 2008 survey, three-fifths of respondents (61%) said they were “very likely” (30%) or “extremely likely” (31%) to seek LEED certification for new or renovated projects. This started falling in 2010, to 53%, and dropped to 48% this year, with 25% “very likely” and 23% “extremely likely” to use LEED.
Why this apparent decline of interest in LEED? One factor, which was not specifically asked in the survey and is based primarily on anecdotal evidence, is that many AEC firms are building sustainably without asking the client’s permission. There’s also
Low-Tech Rainscreen with Charred Wood Jetson Green Zero Cottage — a net-zero energy project pursuing Living Building Challenge, LEED Platinum, Green Point Rated, and Passive House certifications — is finishing nicely. Part of the exterior has a handsome rainscreen of vertical cedar battens and …
Wool insulation is made exclusively from sheep wool fibers that are either mechanically held together or tied using between 5% and 15% recycled polyester adhesive to form insulating batts, rolls and ropes. Batts are usually used in timber-frame buildings; rolls for lofts and ropes are mainly used between the logs in log homes. Wool insulation is used for both thermal and acoustic insulating applications.
Warm and dry environments are vital in creating healthy living conditions. Wool has a natural tendency to accomplish this by absorbing and desorbing moisture.
Wool is a natural protein essence. The protein from wool fiber is being utilized in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical businesses. This would clearly not happen if there was an element of risk or damaging effect.
We live in a nation proud of its environmental approach towards
It makes sense to invest in a high performance triple glazed window, taking into consideration windows often account for upwards of 50% of all energy loss through a building envelope, By investing in high performance windows it enables a home or building designer to minimize the heating system, make the indoor air quality better and benefit from passive solar heating.
There are two main causes which makes having quality windows very vital. One of the reasons is associated to the thermal comfort of the occupants, which is directly influenced by the quality of the windows in the house. The other reason having quality windows are important because it minimizes the
The real importance of the shipping container isn’t the fact that it is a box; it is that it is part of a larger system of handling and transport. One can move them anywhere with standardized equipment. Professor Han Slawik builds his Homeboxes out of wood, within the internationally recognized standards of an ISO shipping container. The Professor writes:
Worldwide are almost steel containers in use. But wear, repair and maintenance of steel materials are more costly (in term of purchasing costs, welding, etc.) than for wooden materials. Wooden constructions can be repaired cheaper and easier. Variation and adjustment to changing necessaries and conditions are easier and cheaper with wooden containers. Live in wooden homes is healthier and more comfortable as in a home made of
