1. Housing I 7.05 Technological Advances in Home Design

2. Plastic Pipes replace Copper Pipes
Lighter weight, less expensive than copper
Not biodegradable
Check local code to see size and type of pipe needed

3. Biomaterials organically based building materials made from recycled materials; less expensive, last longer than wood, won’t warp or split, has high strength
Can be molded into variety of shapes/forms
Disadvantage: it is not biodegradable

4. Plastic lumber: made from recycled plastics
Is a low maintenance option for decking and other outdoor uses
Composite lumber: made by applying pressure to paper thin strips of wood that have been sprayed with glue.
Used for beams, joists, studs, window/door frames
More expensive than real wood but stronger and less likely to warp or shrink

5. Lighting
Motion sensor lighting: movement causes light to turn on within a given area
Light emitting diode (LED):consumes less energy than incandescent bulb and last 10x longer, light is very focused and durable, will not break

6. Green building is designing, building, and operating homes to use materials, energy and water efficiently.

7. Examples:
Using “alternative” energy technologies = solar energy or geo-thermal heat pumps

8. using more insulation

9. using energy-efficient heating & cooling systems ex. low-e glass,
energy efficient appliances

10. choosing recyclable building materials
designing homes to use less material
- ex steel is stronger than wood so for framing less material is needed

11. Automated management systems: integrated and centrally controlled system based on computer technology
Controls
- convenience
- energy management
- entertainment
- safety
Adds $$$$$ to the cost of home, but will reduce energy bills and insurance cost over life of house

12. SMART houses:  a structure with a central computer for programming its environment, devices, and appliances

13. Close circuit TV
Installation of a TV and cameras placed so that areas can be observed
Homeowner can use computer to check on home at any time from any place