| |
sus*tain*a*bil*i*ty
It’s the new watchword for “green”, and how appropriate for those of us living in the Verde (“green” in Spanish)
Valley. We all know the meaning of the word, but today it has taken on more universal significance: MEETING HUMANITY’S NEEDS WITHOUT HARMING FUTURE GENERATIONS.
|
Sedona is a healthy lifestyle of clean air, hiking, golfing, horseback riding and many other outdoor activities. So why
not carry that same healthy lifestyle indoors by creating an equally healthy home environment?
Today’s sustainable construction techniques offer the opportunity to build homes that are not only energy efficient,
but offer superior natural light and improved indoor air quality. Typically they produce energy savings of 30% or more.
Design Group Architects, a strong advocate of sustainable construction, makes it a priority to design homes based upon
basic sustainable construction concepts. To do this, the structure must be integrated into its natural site. It can sit lightly on the Earth, or be anchored strongly, cut in and rooted, appearing to
grow out of the natural land. Its scale must be respectful of the terrain and vegetation, and of its neighbors.
|
|
|
It should be efficient in the use of materials and resources. This does not necessarily imply a minimalist approach to planning
and detail. Building with quality and for a longer life span may in some cases use more material, but still be more efficient in the long term. Long term thinking and investing is more sustainable than
short term.
In general, smaller is better than larger from a resource standpoint, while solar orientation is important from an energy use
standpoint. Natural materials are usually safer than artificial ones. However there are many high tech products that can be part of a sustainable approach. While most homes will probably involve a
combination of both, the feeling in Sedona is that the natural approach is preferable, getting us closer to the environment on a visceral level.
Sustainability does not mean 100% efficiency, but rather a balance of qualities that makes living here more connected to the
area’s natural beauty and less dependent on resources inputted from afar.
As for the costs of building, sustainable real estate construction is typically 3%-4% more expensive than conventional
construction. However, there are experienced builders that can build to sustainable standards for the same cost as conventional construction.
For more information:
Design Group Architects
376 Jordan Road
Sedona, AZ 86336
928-282-4702
View Sedona Real Estate Newsletter Archives
|
|
