Mar 31 2007
Green Building Techniques…Day Two
Day Two of the Green Building Techinques course presented by Dan Chiras was phenomenal!
An outstanding feature of this lecture is that Chiras is teaching us from his proven methods of success, and also from the mistakes he made when designing and building his own home. He often refers to things he didn’t consider at the time and passes along a note of caution on how to avoid danger in the future. That perspective makes what he’s teaching even more cohesive and practical.
Today’s Topics:
- Green Building Practices, Materials and Technologies: Part 2 (Accessibility - Ergonomics - Adaptability - Earth-sheltering - Energy Efficient Design - Renewable Energy - Water Efficiency - Recycling Waste Water - Water Management - Landscaping for Wildlife - Integrated Design)
- Green Building Programs: What are they and why are they valuable? (Earthcraft, Green Built Colorado, LEED)
- How much does it cost to go green?
- Green Built Production Homes (Guest Lecturer, Jeff Medanich, McStain Neigborhoods, Boulder)
- Energy Efficient Design and Construction (Guest Lecturer, Larry Kinney, Synertech Sytems Corp. and SunFlower Corp., Boulder)
- Passive Solar Heating: Design Guidelines
- Passive Solar Heating: Avoiding Mistakes
- Builder Guide for Windows (BGW2004) Software (Guest Lecturer, Fred Roberts, Solaequis, Fort Collins)
- Radiant Heating, Hydronics, Solar Cooking and many more…!
And the main point that Chiras couldn’t stress enough was: DESIGN FOR EFFICIENCY!!!
During one of the design lectures, I brought up the notion that dome structures are increasing in popularity and asked what considerations one should make when trying to design. Chiras mentioned several advantages, such as stability, efficiency, etc., but also pointed out a few concerns around design complications, such as dome structures creating passive solar heating design complications. He also referred me to his book, The New Economical Home, which we all received a free copy of, where he makes mention of building domes. Surprisingly, the gentleman I met yesterday, the one who is designing a vacation home for him and his wife, currently lives in a house that has a dome feature incorporated into the center! Great! We talked at length about why he chose to do this, as dome living has been a passion of his for a long time. He also explained some of the complications he’s had, and recommended incorporating a dome structure into a larger floor plan (part of my observation/viewing dome ideas anyway).  Another woman in our group, who’s actually researched dome living extensively, overheard our conversation and approached me afterwards. She gave me all kinds of links and resources for dome kits, monolithic domes, etc., and updated me on some of the benefits of domes when used as a primary dwelling.ÂÂ
Chiras also showed slides of gorgeous, spacious, brightly daylit dome interiors. I became interested in Daylighting techniques several years ago after learning about how incredibly easy it is to brightly light an office, classroom or home with natural daylight and little or no electric lights. I call natural daylight “happy light”–our brain needs natural sun light each day to produce chemicals that promote feelings of health and well-being. Ever suffer from “cabin fever” in the winter? Shorter days mean less exposure to that vital dose of sunshine. Not only are bright, cheery spaces more fun (and much more productive) to be in, they are necessary for sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). And, as are all green design techniques when well-implemented, daylighting is extremely cost effective. Less money spent on electric lighting means more money in the bank.
A few buzz phrases I’ve been hearing:
         “Design is an indication of intent.” –William McDonough
         “Air Tight, Ventilate Right!” –Larry Kinney
and perhaps my favorite…
         “When we build, let us think that we build forever.” –John Ruskin
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