Ep32-Making Green Affordable-Pt1

10/09/13 • 24 min

Now that “green” design (usually defined as design that is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly) is arguably in the mainstream, our industry faces a challenge: to bring green design into the realm of affordability.

So, join Phil and me as we knock back a cocktail, roll up our shirt sleeves, and discuss our respective approaches to affordable green design. I should also warn you that Phil and I are a bit chatty in the beginning, and if you are the type that likes to get right to the subject matter, and don’t care about Phil’s discovery of Campari, then you’ll want to skip ahead to minute 06:00.

For the rest, well, here’s to you!

For the rest, well, here’s to you!

Previous Episode

Green Architects' Lounge - How to Choose the Right Mechanical System

With any house, there are so many variables that influence the decision to choose one particular mechanical system over another; climate, home size, cost, local availability and cost of fuels and materials, and the life style and preferences of the occupants. There is no "one-size-fits-all" system that one can reliably prescribe to all projects. So Chris and Phil sat down over a good winter cocktail to share their views, anecdotes, battle scars, and wisdom on this important subject.

Next Episode

Ep33-Making Green Affordable-pt2

Part Two of this episode brings us to construction details for high-performance affordable homes. Again, we feel the need to point out that we are not talking about low-income housing or housing that makes a difference between shelter and non-shelter. We're talking about high-performance homes that will compete, on a financial level, with those cheap vinyl boxes that litter suburbia and urban areas alike.

Phil and I have refreshed our drinks and are ready to talk about building envelope construction from the bottom up. Let’s get started.