High Performance Homes
Many building scientists and practitioners are now looking at buildings as more than just bricks and wood. A more accurate perspective recognizes buildings as functioning systems.
The challenge is to make the all various systems within a building, including the occupant, perform together, in a compatible and mutually beneficial fashion.
Ignoring the interactive dynamics within the building system can lead to unexpected often negative consequences including loss of efficiency, poor air quality, building durability problems, and occupant discomfort. The goods news is that combining compatible building components and functions in an intelligent way can dramatically improve building performance. Achieving optimum building performance requires careful consideration on two levels. The big picture and the devil in the details.
Does the building function as a comprehensive and complete system? Do all the various components and sub system functions work compatibly? The growing emphasis on Green construction takes “whole systems” thinking to another level by leveraging increased building performance to benefit both the environment of the building and the planet. That’s system thinking.
GREEN HOMES
Attention to the small details within the subsystems can make all the difference. An example of looking at the details is the hybrid insulation system which utilizes the strengths of various insulation materials to define a high performance insulation envelope.