SUSTAINABLE HOME DESIGN

The Value & The Costs
of Sustainable Home Design

Welcome to the future of home design! Today, building a new home isn't just about comfort and beauty; it's about giving back to the environment too. We're here to show you how sustainable home design can make a big difference, both for the planet and your wallet. In the past, building a sustainable home might have seemed out of reach, but not anymore. We'll guide you through the many choices you can make to create a home that's eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Ready to explore the world of sustainable home design? Keep scrolling to discover the key decisions that can transform your home into an environmental powerhouse.

Select One Below to Learn More…

Explanation of Passive Solar Strategy in Sustainable Home Design

Passive Solar Strategy


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In regions like New York, passive solar strategies are tailored to block direct sunlight during the summer months, preventing overheating, while still allowing the low winter sun to naturally warm the home. Maximizing energy efficiency and a comfortable living environment.
the value and cost of modular and prefabricated construction in sustainable modern home design

Modular & Prefab
Construction


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Modular or prefabricated homes are constructed in a factory setting and then transported to your site for assembly. Offers numerous advantages, including reduced waste, accelerated construction timelines, and enhanced cost certainty.
the value and cost of green roofs in sustainable modern home design

Green Roofs


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By reintroducing natural landscapes to urban settings, enhance the visual appeal of your rooftop, while being a host of environmental and wellness advantages.
the value and cost of building materials (wood, steel and concrete) and their impact on the environment

Building Material
Selection


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Did you know that new building materials contribute to approximately 11% of total global emissions? One of the most effective ways to combat this is by designing homes that minimize or even eliminate the need for environmentally destructive building materials.
the value and cost of using renewable lumber in sustainable modern home construction

Renewable Lumber


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Sustainably grown wood has the remarkable ability to capture and store carbon, making it a powerful ally in the fight against climate change? It's true—by choosing responsibly sourced wood, we can make a significant positive impact on the health of our planet.
the value and cost of sustainable surface materials in modern home design

Sustainable
Surface Materials


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From interior flooring to exterior facades, the choices we make for finish materials can significantly impact the environment. Fortunately, there are numerous sustainable options available that add character to your home without harming the planet.
the value and cost of geothermal heating and cooling in sustainable modern home design

Geothermal Heating
& Cooling


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In the Northeast, the ground maintains a steady temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. By circulating water through underground pipes, geothermal systems extract warmth from the earth in winter to heat your home and release excess heat in summer to keep it cool.
the value and cost of air tightness in sustainable modern home design

Air Tightness


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Unwanted gaps in a home's construction can lead to energy waste, moisture problems, and indoor air quality issues. These gaps allow airflow that compromises the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, promotes moisture buildup, and can even allow pollutants to infiltrate the home.
the value and cost of avoiding thermal bridge in sustainable home design

No Thermal Bridge


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Thermal bridging occurs when heat moves through a material that conducts heat more readily than the surrounding materials. This can significantly contribute to energy loss and lead to higher utility bills for homeowners.
the value and cost of energy efficient appliances in sustainable modern home design

Energy Efficient
Appliances


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Investing in energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers, and more is a powerful way to reduce your daily energy consumption and environmental impact.
The Value and Costs of energy efficient windows in sustainable modern architecture

Energy Efficient
Windows


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Energy-efficient windows play a vital role in keeping homes comfortable year-round by providing insulation that keeps warmth in during winter and blocks heat out during summer. In New York's fluctuating seasons, these windows can lead to savings on energy bills. But, be warned, they're not cheap!
architecture animation showing the sustainabile benefits of automatic shades

Automatic
Shades or Blinds


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These systems can be programmed to automatically raise and lower based on the home's temperature or the time of day/year, providing personalized control and energy savings.
the value and cost of smart thermostats in sustainable modern home design

Smart Thermostats


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Smart thermostats offer a new approach to heating and cooling by learning your living habits and adjusting energy usage accordingly. These devices only pull energy for heating and cooling when it's truly needed.
the value and cost of landscap eefficiencies in sustainable modern home design

Landscape Efficiencies


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During the warmer seasons, deciduous trees provide shade, helping to keep interiors cool. As the colder months approach and leaves fall, these trees allow sunlight to penetrate, warming the home.
the value and cost of solar panels in sustainable modern home design

Solar Power


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While the initial investment in solar power may require a significant upfront cost, long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment. Maximizing panel exposure, homeowners can accelerate the payoff period for their solar panels and enjoy substantial savings on energy bills.
the value and cost of a fully insulated building envelope in sustainable home design

Fully Insulated Envelope


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A home with a fully insulated shell offers significant reductions in energy loss and substantial cost savings over time by minimizing heat transfer through walls, ceilings, and floors.
Explanation of Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Home Architecture & Design

Natural Ventilation


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Homes can be designed to take advantage of natural cooling methods, such as cross ventilation and stack effect ventilation. Incorporating these principles can significantly reduce energy consumption while minimizing construction costs.
Explanation of ERV Systems in Sustainable Home Architecture & Design

ERV Systems


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Air exchange systems create safe, comfortable interiors by balancing indoor and outdoor air, ensuring optimal ventilation without placing intense demands on energy usage and consumption.

How Does this Effect
Construction Costs?

TIER 01:

Standard
Build.

Compared to our environmentally conscious designs, the standard build construction typically costs approximately 5% LESS. While the features explained above aren't included in today's standard building methods, they're integral to our philosophy and our studio's commitment to excellence and the environment.

TIER 02:

Environmentally
Conscious.

In our environmentally conscious homes, the majority of the decisions outlined above are thoroughly researched and integrated. We firmly believe in the significance of these choices for both the environment and our homeowners' well-being. These principles prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term cost savings.

TIER 03:

Passive Home /
Green Build.

Passive Homes represent the pinnacle of eco-conscious architecture, designed to maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. We estimate today's construction costs for this tier to be approximately 10% MORE than our environmentally conscious homes due to the specialized costs and complexities.