An eye opening article in, very surprisingly, USA Today, about LEED certifications given to buildings, thus giving them huge tax breaks and grants from the government or helping them get higher rents in the market. At times, going after LEED certification increases the building costs considerably and may not even have added environmental benefits.
One such case is the Palazzo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas which was considered the largest LEED certified structure in the world when completed. With all its opulence, one wonders how it could have obtained that certificate! The truth is that LEED certificate is based on points and some points are added for things which have no impact on the environment. If there is a LEED certified expert on the team, you can gain a point or if you have a bike rack or provide preferred parking for fuel efficient cars, you can gain LEED points. And all this is calculated by pre-occupancy projections itself!
More buildings are now resorting to get voluntary EnergyStar program certificates which is issued by EPA a year after occupancy and is reissued yearly. After much criticism, LEED is trying to improve its standards by offering extra points for actual energy use. LEED definitely has to take further steps in improving its standards to make buildings extra energy efficient and sustainable for the future. Read more from USA TODAY here
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Friday, October 26, 2012
About hardware and green buildings....
The significance of hardware in any structure is noticed greatly only when they are badly designed or placed inconveniently. Otherwise it silently works hard without obtaining any credit for its importance in the building,as a whole. This is especially noticed in the design of hospitality buildings. Be it a hotel, hospital, restaurant, movie house or any structure of that nature, the hardware design and quality is one of the most useful things to be taken into consideration for reasons like durability, security and strength. And, if it is part of a green building, then the metal has to be carefully chosen for its sustainable production methods for decreased impact on the environment.
When taking all this into consideration, there is one metal that has stood the test of time really for thousands of years and is still in demand today for being strong, durable and easy to maintain. The anti microbial properties of bronze also makes it one of the best material for door knobs and handles where there is a high traffic flow. A really informative article on bronze from the June 2012 edition of The Architectural Record can be read here
The significance of hardware in any structure is noticed greatly only when they are badly designed or placed inconveniently. Otherwise it silently works hard without obtaining any credit for its importance in the building,as a whole. This is especially noticed in the design of hospitality buildings. Be it a hotel, hospital, restaurant, movie house or any structure of that nature, the hardware design and quality is one of the most useful things to be taken into consideration for reasons like durability, security and strength. And, if it is part of a green building, then the metal has to be carefully chosen for its sustainable production methods for decreased impact on the environment.
When taking all this into consideration, there is one metal that has stood the test of time really for thousands of years and is still in demand today for being strong, durable and easy to maintain. The anti microbial properties of bronze also makes it one of the best material for door knobs and handles where there is a high traffic flow. A really informative article on bronze from the June 2012 edition of The Architectural Record can be read here
Sunday, October 21, 2012
As more people are growing energy conscious today, it is good to know that product manufacturers are also striving to bring newer green material into the market. Looking into the August edition of Architectural Record, I saw an article on the recent green materials and processes. Read more here
A lot of changes have happened in the energy codes and green building standards lately. In terms of fenestration innovations, the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has set new performance paths for building enclosures. Along with LEED certified properties, the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) or the International Code Council (ICC) have coordinated for model regulations in the building industry. Even the local and state wide rules like CalGreen in California encourage architects and builders to adopt the best practices for exterior insulation, air barriers and high performance fenestration. These new energy standards offer guidance for preventing excessive air leakage or check the U-Factor which describes the heat transfer rate. The trend in glass manufacturing has improved in terms of fire rating and fire resistive ratings which do not effect energy saving directly but do provide a means of comparing the ability to protect occupants from fire for a longer period.
In addition to better glass products for building, many changes have been applied to storefront and curtain walls due to stringent codes and technical advances. From the August 2012 issue of the Architectural Record, this article can be read in detail here
A lot of changes have happened in the energy codes and green building standards lately. In terms of fenestration innovations, the new International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has set new performance paths for building enclosures. Along with LEED certified properties, the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) or the International Code Council (ICC) have coordinated for model regulations in the building industry. Even the local and state wide rules like CalGreen in California encourage architects and builders to adopt the best practices for exterior insulation, air barriers and high performance fenestration. These new energy standards offer guidance for preventing excessive air leakage or check the U-Factor which describes the heat transfer rate. The trend in glass manufacturing has improved in terms of fire rating and fire resistive ratings which do not effect energy saving directly but do provide a means of comparing the ability to protect occupants from fire for a longer period.
In addition to better glass products for building, many changes have been applied to storefront and curtain walls due to stringent codes and technical advances. From the August 2012 issue of the Architectural Record, this article can be read in detail here
Friday, October 19, 2012
We all love to be energy 'savers' and rush to buy energy efficient appliances and products. They do make a difference in our energy bills but there is something major that most of us overlook which could decrease our heating and cooling bills considerably.
Consider these Energy-Smart details when designing a new home or renovating an old one. An article from FineHomebuilding explains some of the major changes one can make in a home to be a smart energy saver.
Read more here
Consider these Energy-Smart details when designing a new home or renovating an old one. An article from FineHomebuilding explains some of the major changes one can make in a home to be a smart energy saver.
Read more here
The key to showcasing a good home is a beautiful entrance. If the approach is well done, it draws the visitor into the home. By entrance, I mean the moment one enters the property, be it by car or by foot. Landscape design done thoughtfully creates an ambiance that sets the mood and forever stays in the mind, even after leaving the property. A good article in FineHomebuilding on this topic can be read here
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Decks are such an integral part of an american house that the owners cannot think of living in a home without one. Be it a single home of any size or a town home, a deck is where memories are built with kids playing or grilling and entertaining.
But, as much as it is common to construct a deck, it is not very common to calculate the stress or loads on the deck before building. It is very often a cookie cutter design with not much thought into the area where your home is. Whether it is subjected to tornadoes or other natural disasters.
This article in Fine Homebuilding shows what kinds of loads a deck needs to support and the forces that act on a deck.
When constructing a deck, there are many questions regarding joist sizes and the spacing in between. Understanding the types of wood used with its specific spacing and sizes will make a deck more economical to construct and more solid and stable. An article from Fine Homebuiding can provide further information and can be read here
But, as much as it is common to construct a deck, it is not very common to calculate the stress or loads on the deck before building. It is very often a cookie cutter design with not much thought into the area where your home is. Whether it is subjected to tornadoes or other natural disasters.
This article in Fine Homebuilding shows what kinds of loads a deck needs to support and the forces that act on a deck.
When constructing a deck, there are many questions regarding joist sizes and the spacing in between. Understanding the types of wood used with its specific spacing and sizes will make a deck more economical to construct and more solid and stable. An article from Fine Homebuiding can provide further information and can be read here
Sunday, October 14, 2012
When buying a house in the US, we tend to look at the aesthetics, the age and stability and finally get an approval from the house inspector. But there are some things that get overlooked in spite of all this. What lies behind your walls for insulation should not be ignored. Knowledge and understanding what could be behind the walls is essential when renovating or using it for storage. Some of those insulation used earlier is written in this article from This Old House magazine and can be read here
Earlier, designing a laundry room was just a matter of adding it where one found a bit of extra space. But now, there is a lot more thought and organizing that goes into the placing and detailing of the laundry room. From careful consideration in where to put a laundry room to energy efficient machines, shelving to cater to the needs of the individual using it or to safeguard from potential fire hazards. Various options and pros and cons are discussed in this article from This Old House and can be read here
Have a small yard? Don't worry....Ideas from this article in This Old House will blow your mind away in seeing how one can transform a small lot into looking and feeling like you are in a vast expanse of greenery. Read more here
Earlier, designing a laundry room was just a matter of adding it where one found a bit of extra space. But now, there is a lot more thought and organizing that goes into the placing and detailing of the laundry room. From careful consideration in where to put a laundry room to energy efficient machines, shelving to cater to the needs of the individual using it or to safeguard from potential fire hazards. Various options and pros and cons are discussed in this article from This Old House and can be read here
Have a small yard? Don't worry....Ideas from this article in This Old House will blow your mind away in seeing how one can transform a small lot into looking and feeling like you are in a vast expanse of greenery. Read more here
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Links
An article on geothermal energy from Popular Mechanics
This is a good read for anyone considering geothermal energy as an alternative option. This article takes you from the basics to equipment overview and considerations and, finally, it even talks about cost. They have a small source list too. Read on at Popular Mechanics featuring the original article.
A non profit green rating site
This non profit organisation provides guidance and training through membership to promote healthy, energy and resource efficient homes in the state of California. Take a look at their homepage.
An article on a San Diego home made totally green
A San Diego couple, passionate about building a very green home with local and sustainable products, constructed their home whichturned out to be the first one in their area to get certified by a non profit green rating agency, BuildGreen. Read more about it here
This is a good read for anyone considering geothermal energy as an alternative option. This article takes you from the basics to equipment overview and considerations and, finally, it even talks about cost. They have a small source list too. Read on at Popular Mechanics featuring the original article.
A non profit green rating site
This non profit organisation provides guidance and training through membership to promote healthy, energy and resource efficient homes in the state of California. Take a look at their homepage.
An article on a San Diego home made totally green
A San Diego couple, passionate about building a very green home with local and sustainable products, constructed their home whichturned out to be the first one in their area to get certified by a non profit green rating agency, BuildGreen. Read more about it here
Monday, October 8, 2012
Introduction...
Hello Everyone
I am an architect with 12 years of work experience...15 years of being a stay at home mom gave me a lot of time to read and stay in touch with architecture and interior design and keep a log of articles and products that interests me in this field.
Kept toying with the idea for a couple of years to share it all with other architects who may not have the time to do what I do but want to stay in touch with the latest advancement in this field.
So here I am with a new purpose for my blog. Originally, I had intended to make this a blog of all products related to architecture. A place where Architects, Interior Designers, Home owners or DIY folks can go to find different materials from around the world. But there are great sites out there with a wide range of product catalogues so I am going to feature articles along with some new products from time to time.
And I propose to source out your architectural requirements too. Whatever it is you need and cannot find or probably don't have time to surf, I shall try my best to find it for you. So hope this works!
I am an architect with 12 years of work experience...15 years of being a stay at home mom gave me a lot of time to read and stay in touch with architecture and interior design and keep a log of articles and products that interests me in this field.
Kept toying with the idea for a couple of years to share it all with other architects who may not have the time to do what I do but want to stay in touch with the latest advancement in this field.
So here I am with a new purpose for my blog. Originally, I had intended to make this a blog of all products related to architecture. A place where Architects, Interior Designers, Home owners or DIY folks can go to find different materials from around the world. But there are great sites out there with a wide range of product catalogues so I am going to feature articles along with some new products from time to time.
And I propose to source out your architectural requirements too. Whatever it is you need and cannot find or probably don't have time to surf, I shall try my best to find it for you. So hope this works!
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