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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. |
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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
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