Green homes reduce your energy consumption and help you save money on power bills. They also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.
Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney uses a multicultural modernism philosophy to design sustainable homes that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces. They also use raw and natural materials to optimize airflow and protect the environment.
Cost-Efficiency
One of the biggest obstacles to green homes is the perception that they’re expensive. This preoccupation is fueled by the media’s obsession with “eco-mansions,” but green home design and building can actually be quite affordable. In fact, studies show that homes with energy efficiency upgrades sell for more than comparable homes without them.
The cost-efficiency of sustainable homes is a growing concern among both homeowners and builders alike. In addition to reducing operational costs, eco-friendly buildings can save money by lowering utility bills and avoiding environmental damage. Additionally, they can also be more comfortable and improve occupant health.
Some of the most innovative green homes are built with recycled materials and are designed to create their own energy from renewable resources. These energy efficient homes are more cost-effective than traditional houses because they require less fuel and electricity to operate. Additionally, they are more durable, flexible, and adaptable to occupants’ changing lifestyles over time.
SEA Architects, the firm behind the poetic 747 Wing House in Malibu, is an example of how modern and eco-friendly architecture can blend seamlessly. The architects utilize natural and raw materials to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating a unique architectural style that has earned them numerous accolades.
One of their other projects is a home that features solar panels, water-capture systems, and smart-home controls to manage temperature and power consumption. Other sustainable features of this home include weather-resistant building materials, low-flow toilets, and a gray water reclaim system.
A new generation of green housing is being developed to address the city’s affordable housing needs. LA CAN’s EcoHood project, for example, offers sustainable and affordable micro homes on unused city-owned land. The project is a model for how affordable green housing can be implemented across the country.
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)
One of the most important environmental impacts of buildings is greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions come from heating, cooling, and lighting. Fortunately, green homes make the most of renewable energy and use efficient systems to reduce their emissions. They also make use of sustainable materials, including wood and steel. Additionally, they are designed to minimize waste during construction.
A green home’s design allows it to be environmentally friendly while remaining functional and attractive. Architects that specialize in green designs are able to incorporate a wide range of sustainable features into their projects. For example, the Brooks + Scarpa Residence in Laurel Canyon boasts a striking exterior made from sustainably-harvested Western red cedar. The home also includes a solar photovoltaic system, a greywater system for landscape irrigation, Caesarstone countertops, and formaldehyde-free MDF kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.
Moreover, a green home uses less energy than conventional homes because it has good insulation and double-pane windows. Its design also takes advantage of natural resources, such as the sun’s heat and the thermal mass of concrete floors. This helps the home conserve energy by reducing air conditioning and heating costs.
In contrast, older homes in low-income neighborhoods use more energy per square foot because they don’t have insulated windows and good heating and air-conditioning efficiencies. This disproportionately harms low-income communities and limits the City’s ability to meet its climate goals.
The city can help by dramatically increasing the amount of housing built near Purple Line stations and making it affordable. This will allow residents to commute shorter distances and cut their vehicle-miles traveled. The city can also increase the number of housing units on its vacant land and set aside a portion for prefabricated and modular homes.
Energy Efficiency
Building energy use is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that improving building efficiency can reduce both energy costs and environmental impact. The first step is reducing energy demand through better design and construction. This can be achieved by implementing efficient lighting and appliances, selecting efficient heating and cooling systems, and using natural ventilation and solar heat. The next step is utilizing building energy modeling software to identify opportunities for improvement. These tools help owners develop an action plan to improve their buildings’ energy performance.
Sustainable homes that are built with the latest green technologies can also save homeowners money on their energy bills. These features include solar photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, energy-efficient appliances, and natural ventilation. Additionally, a home’s location can have a big impact on its energy use. For example, a home in a hotter climate will require more energy for air conditioning than a house in a cooler climate.
Some of the best sustainable architects in Los Angeles are experts at greening homes. For example, the Brooks + Scarpa firm has garnered international acclaim for its innovative aesthetic and progressive environmental designs. The firm’s award-winning Solar Umbrella House and Colorado Court projects demonstrate its ability to create high-performance, eco-friendly homes.
Another great sustainable architecture firm is Koffka/Phakos Design, which offers a full range of architectural and interior design services. The firm has numerous homes in its portfolio that showcase passive strategies to conserve water and energy and active strategies that utilize energy savings devices. Its 747 Wing House in Malibu uses the wings and tail stabilizers of a Boeing 747 as the roof and incorporates other sustainable elements, including a rainwater harvesting system and repurposed wood.
Reduces Water Consumption
As climate change wreaks havoc, more people are starting to notice and switch to green homes. Besides being cost-efficient, eco-friendly houses also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. This means that they help in preserving the earth’s natural resources and turning it into a more sustainable environment for future generations. These eco-friendly houses are designed to use less water and energy, reducing the need for outside sources for these needs.
They use green materials that reduce air leakage and maintain efficient lighting, thus lowering utility costs. These properties are also built to be more insulated against the harsh weather conditions, which makes them more comfortable and cheaper to live in. In addition, they have solar panels that make them self-sustainable. The energy generated by the solar panels is used to run appliances and lights in the house, thereby reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and electricity.
Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC) is an award-winning design and architecture collaboration that combines a multicultural modernism philosophy with a holistic approach to sustainability. They have developed a number of eco-friendly buildings and structures for the education, hospitality, civic, and corporate markets. Their work is inspired by the philosophy that structural design should be based on the constraints of the site, climate and inspiration from culture. They believe that it’s necessary to create a harmonious relationship between the environment and man.
USGBC-LA’s Green Homes LA initiative is focused on bringing both education and resources to homes and apartments to conserve water and energy, save on utility costs and improve occupant health. We’re working to expand equitable access to the technology, rebate programs, educational materials, and other tools that can help green multifamily buildings and homeowners, particularly in communities disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards and socioeconomic disadvantages.
Environmentally Friendly
The influx of sustainable homes in Los Angeles are taking green living to the next level for environmentally conscious homeowners. These eco-friendly homes are constructed from natural materials that are free of toxic chemicals and materials. They require fewer repairs and are less expensive to operate. In addition, they help to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission that damage the ozone layer.
Architects and builders are increasingly designing sustainable homes that blend the beauty of nature with modern technology to create a unique, eco-friendly lifestyle. Architect Simon Storey of Anonymous Architects uses design elements like compact floor plans to make efficient use of space, placing windows strategically to avoid direct sunlight and using materials that regulate temperature and humidity.
Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects is another LA based architecture firm that employs a multicultural modernism philosophy to create innovative residential and commercial structures that incorporate the climate of their site, the inspiration of culture and the sustainability of the environment. Their designs for multifamily buildings, retail projects, historic renovations and custom homes have earned the firm recognition from Architizer and the AIA of LA.
Pacific Green Homes is a LA based green home builder that uses a simple and effective process to ensure that clients are satisfied with their green renovations. The company’s team of design specialists conduct in-home consultations and provide samples so clients can fully envision their new green home before construction begins.
Another example of a green home is the award-winning “poetic house” in Malibu designed by SEA with a poetic roof crafted from the wings and tail stabilizers of a 747 jet. The home features an array of sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic panels and radiant heating with heat mirror glazing and natural ventilation.