Specification
for a New Holistic Home
Design and Materials Selection
Principles
Energy Efficient
The Holistic Home will be as energy efficient as economically
feasible.
Green Living
Materials will be environmentally responsible, employing the “green”,
sustainable living principles.
Accessible Design
The Holistic Home will incorporate accessible design wherever feasible to allow
the occupants to "age in place".
Energy from the SUN
Every effort in the design and selection of the materials being
used in the structure is an attempt to be environmentally conscious,
with both passive solar design incorporated into the rear southern
facing wall and an optional solar electric generating system integrated
on the roof. The structure is designed to be as low an energy-consuming
structure as possible, with high insulation values, and low air
infiltration values in the exterior envelope.
Recyclable Materials
All materials are selected to reflect concern for using recycled
and/or recyclable materials as possible. Materials selected are
resistant or impervious to destruction by wood destroying insects,
especially termites.
Low Maintenance
All materials’ finishes are designed to be long lasting
and extremely low maintenance.
Self-Sufficient
The Holistic Home is designed to provide for installation of an
optional integrated roof solar photovoltaic electric generating
system measured as 4.2 kilowatts, using a net metering grid tied
inverter, putting electricity back into the electric grid when
electric production exceeds the home’s demand. This home
will produce 100% of its' own electric power when this option
is selected.
Open Spaces
The Holistic Home is designed to have a large usable loft area
which will incorporate a large work/play space or a fourth bedroom.
Usable Space
The basement is designed to be usable space using water-tight
insulated factory-produced panelized walls (Superior Walls) together
with insulation under the concrete floor to keep space temperate
and dry. Four very adequate windows will provide plentiful light
to the space during the day. A walkout door system will provide
additional egress.
Energy Star rated
Windows will be double-hung, vinyl or wood Energy Star rated for
energy efficiency. (Pella Proline or greater) low-e, and argon
filled. All doors will be Energy Star rated.
Energy Conscious
Electric fixtures and appliances will be Energy Star rated for
energy efficiency. Compact Fluorescent Lighting fixtures. Low
flow water fixtures.
Fresh Air
The HVAC system will feature very high efficiency heating and
central air conditioning with an Energy Recovery Ventilator system
for fresh air intake, and a particulate filtration system making
the air in the home as healthy and as pure as possible.
Low VOC Materials
Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials will be used for
paint, cabinets, flooring, etc., ensuring the home is as healthy
as possible by eliminating harmful off gassing chemical exposure
for the resident.
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