The Natural Home Working With What You’ve Got

What is Natural/Green Building? Current Definitions: Buildings made from natural materials (earth, straw, clay, stone) and/or recycled materials Superinsulated systems (ICFs, AAC, SIPs) Super energy efficient systems Building with few toxic chemicals and/or synthetic mateirals Buildings that use alternative sources of energy Super-durable structures & components

Green Building: A combination of design elements and materials that take into account the impact of a building on its surroundings and inhabitants. Whole Picture Includes: Earth Human Health Energy (embodied & ongoing use) Availability of materials Budget Skills Aesthetics Other Values

Plan in accordance with your values Make a list of green values in order of importance to you. Use this list when making decisions about your project.

Green Aspects of Remodeling/Retrofitting Much embodied energy already spent (foundation, structure) Materials can be re- used Site has already been disturbed and (possibly) restored

Challenges of existing homes in Silver City area Under-insulated Single-pane windows Little regard for solar orientation Small size Generally outdated

A Green Project Needs a Green Budget Be Realistic! Plan on $20-$100/sf depending on use of space, % contingency Include funds for special, beautiful elements Green building has more costs up-front, less cost long-term –Quality Materials: Do- it-once –Alternative Energy? Do your pay-back math.

Determine your priorities and needs Occupant Health (non- toxic, non-emitting materials) Energy Efficiency (tight envelope) Natural Materials (earth, straw, stone, wood) Consider relationships between priorities

Solutions for staying within Budget Consider YOUR needs, not the next owner’s Design multi-purpose spaces Shift use with the seasons Practice resource conservation

Super-cheap Heat & Cool Basic Principle: Let sun in or keep sun out –Use shade cloth in summer (without replacing windows) –Trap cool air in summer –Clay plaster adds thermal mass to any wall Alternative heat sources-- our climate is well suited for efficient wood & pellet stoves

Do-It-Yourself Don’t underestimate the power of resurfacing Paint, plaster, refinish floors Your labor will help you afford better materials

Resurfacing, cont’d:Using what you have Keep material out of the landfill Save money by making what you’ve got into something you love!

Reuse existing elements of home Especially wood, concrete, stone Re-Store is a good source for other items Great DIY activities

Silver City ReStore Habitat for Humanity

Think small(er) Smaller spaces cost less total and use less resources Augment small indoor spaces with outdoor space Outdoor spaces cost less Create habitat to offset building Grow food for inhabitants

Your Green Home View your remodel as a process--do things right, do them once, do what you love Make energy efficiency upgrades, but also find solutions in the meantime Use our climate to your advantage--extend your living space, interact with your home to keep it comfortable.