Innovation in Architecture, towards greener building, zero energy home possible?

Can we achieve a zero energy home with current technologies?

We are Architects at www.concepthomedesigns.co.nz

and.....are currently designing a concept ecohome protoype, using energy simulation software and 3d modelling to try to achieve this before it is built

We are hoping to build next year in Nelson as a demo home, we are now pulling together ideas and would appreciate any Public input on your favourite features and best ideas:

Some features (not exhaustive) include:

• Sustainable building materials that do not deplete the natural environment more than necessary, for example, using plantation-grown timbers and recyclable
• House orientation – positioning the house to allow maximum sun in the winter and coolness in the summer.
• Solar energy – using solar panels for water heating. PV cells
• Use of structural elements – for example, wide eaves protect from the sun in summer and provide increased weather protection in winter. allows low winter sun to enter and heat
• Placement and glazing of windows – the larger windows should face the sun to capture the warmth, and use glazing and/or shading to stop heat escaping.
• Ventilation – cross ventilation & using window joinery that allows ventilation, trickle vents in the joinery.
• Insulation – to reduce heat loss. Natural wool insulation
• Thermal Mass – to soak up suns energy and release at night to raise night time temperatures.
• Rainwater Collection – Rain water collected from the roof. supply all drinking water
• Appliances. Energy star efficient appliances and lighting.

I have attached images not related to this project to give an idea of how we sketch explore strategies, before modelling them for sun path studies and Home energy rating analysis


We look forward to any input and your ideas. If you have any of your own eco-projects you want to discuss please do not hesitate to contact.



Cheers

Tom