People often ask me, “What does it cost to build green?” My usual answer is that it depends on why you’re doing it. If you really want to lighten your load on the planet, and an energy-efficient home is just one of the changes you’re willing to make to truly reduce your impact, then it will likely cost the same or less than a “conventional” home. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a way to maintain a “business as usual” affluent western lifestyle, but with smaller energy bills and a lighter conscience, then it’s likely going to cost substantially more than a regular home. [Read more…]
Earth Day 2015: Meaningful agency in a runaway world
Earth Day is here again, and I’ve got a few words for the faint of heart. We can all agree that there’s much to love about this planet, and we know how threatened it is by forces seemingly beyond our control. People can almost be divided into two camps: those who believe that we can ameliorate the dangers, and those who feel helpless. Without offering some grandiose vision full of unrealistic hopes, I’d like to say a few personal words to the latter group about “meaningful agency”. [Read more…]
The good, the bad, and the hopelessly trendy
It’s time to talk about designing for longevity. This is an important component of sustainable design. For a home that will age gracefully, choose a classic style and use the best quality materials that fit your budget. Now, let’s look at each of these two points more closely. [Read more…]
Designing a Resilient Home: more thoughts
There’s no doubt that climate change and tapped-out fossil fuel supplies are presenting challenges that our forebears never imagined. In such times, we need to build for resilience. During extreme weather (or seismic) events, will your house keep you warm, dry and safe? [Read more…]
Design for the 95%
I often talk about “building small” as a good strategy for sustainable living. But what does “small” mean? These days, the average new Canadian home, built for 2-3 people, measures 2,000 square feet. I define a small house as one that minimizes space per person while allowing a comfortable lifestyle for its occupants. About 1,200 square feet or less for a couple, or under 1,500 square feet for a family with kids, would fit this criterion. [Read more…]
The ‘Dinosaur Home’: heading for extinction
One of our oldest human institutions is the home. For as long as our species has existed, we’ve occupied spaces and made them our own. As we’ve evolved, so have the form and concept of “home,” giving rise to the detached, single-family dwelling that eventually became normative for many people. [Read more…]
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