A Design and Construction Handbook for Energy-saving Houses


Book Description

Provides instruction in all aspects of building a house, presents plans for eleven different houses, and includes lists of recommended sources, tools, materials, architects, contractors, and builder's schools.




Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings


Book Description

Handbook of Energy Efficiency in Buildings: A Life Cycle Approach offers a comprehensive and in-depth coverage of the subject with a further focus on the Life Cycle. The editors, renowned academics, invited a diverse group of researchers to develop original chapters for the book and managed to well integrate all contributions in a consistent volume. Sections cover the role of the building sector on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, international technical standards, laws and regulations, building energy efficiency and zero energy consumption buildings, the life cycle assessment of buildings, from construction to decommissioning, and other timely topics. The multidisciplinary approach to the subject makes it valuable for researchers and industry based Civil, Construction, and Architectural Engineers. Researchers in related fields as built environment, energy and sustainability at an urban scale will also benefit from the books integrated perspective. Presents a complete and thorough coverage of energy efficiency in buildings Provides an integrated approach to all the different elements that impact energy efficiency Contains coverage of worldwide regulation




Energy-Efficient Architecture


Book Description

How is an energy efficient building created? Which are the most important criteria pertaining to urban development or the conception of the floor plan? What are the optimal dimensions appropriate for the building’s usage but also ensuring energy efficiency? Which building elements and systems are most suitable? This book systematically explains all relevant criteria and parameters as regards urban development, design and the subsequent construction of a sustainable building. The immense potential for cutting costs by modernising the energy systems in old buildings is also demonstrated.Completed projects are presented according to their usage and are analysed and evaluated in the light of the above criteria. For this purpose extensive plans and technical information are used to illustrate the "energy profile" of each building. This shows the particular importance of planning details carefully. An annotated subject index concludes the volume.




Designed to Perform


Book Description

This book is an illustrated practical design guide to delivering better energy performance in all types of new build homes. It takes the form of an annotated details book, with photos taken from live construction sites, with the content based around diagrams, drawings and photos by the author, which demonstrates valuable best practice knowledge and advice. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the performance gap and the quality of design and construction in new build homes, explaining the typical construction sequence of homebuilding, and highlights common issues that designers need to engage with. Chapters 2-7 look at each construction fabric in turn, including a series of detailed drawings, diagrams and photos illustrating the key elements of good design. Chapter 8 contains a checklist of all performance gap issues that designers need to look for. This book will provide valuable guidance to architects and designers on how to improve their detailing at construction stage, and therefore the overall quality of design and performance of new homes.




Pretty Good House


Book Description

Pretty Good House provides a framework and set of guidelines for building or renovating a high-performance home that focus on its inhabitants and the environment--but keeps in mind that few people have pockets deep enough to achieve a "perfect" solution. The essential idea is for homeowners to work within their financial and practical constraints both to meet their own needs and do as much for the planet as possible. A Pretty Good House is: * A house that's as small as possible * Simple and durable, but also well designed * Insulated and air-sealed * Above all, it is affordable, healthy, responsible, and resilient.




The New Net Zero


Book Description

The new threshold for green building is not just low energy, it's net-zero energy. In The New Net Zero, sustainable architect Bill Maclay charts the path for designers and builders interested in exploring green design's new-frontier net-zero-energy structures that produce as much energy as they consume and are carbon neutral. In a nation where traditional buildings use roughly 40 percent of the total fossil energy, the interest in net-zero building is growing enormously--among both designers interested in addressing climate change and consumers interested in energy efficiency and long-term savings. Maclay, an award-winning net-zero designer whose buildings have achieved high-performance goals at affordable costs, makes the case for a net-zero future; explains net-zero building metrics, integrated design practices, and renewable energy options; and shares his lessons learned on net-zero teambuilding. Designers and builders will find a wealth of state-of-the-art information on such considerations as air, water, and vapor barriers; embodied energy; residential and commercial net-zero standards; monitoring and commissioning; insulation options; costs; and more. The comprehensive overview is accompanied by several case studies, which include institutional buildings, commercial projects, and residences. Both new-building and renovation projects are covered in detail. The New Net Zero is geared toward professionals exploring net-zero design, but also suitable for nonprofessionals seeking ideas and strategies on net-zero options that are beautiful and renewably powered.




Passive House Details


Book Description

Passive House Details introduces the concepts, principles, and design processes of building ultralow-energy buildings. The objective of this book is to provide design goals, research, analysis, systems, details, and inspiring images of some of the most energy-efficient, carbon-neutral, healthy, and satisfying buildings currently built in the region. Other topics included: heat transfer, moisture management, performance targets, and climatic zones. Illustrated with more than 375 color images, the book is a visual catalog of construction details, materials, and systems drawn from projects contributed from forty firms. Fourteen in-depth case studies demonstrate the most energy-efficient systems for foundations, walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors, and more.




Residential Steel Design and Construction


Book Description

Design and build energy-efficient steel-framed houses-as a practical alternative to wood. As high-quality wood becomes scarcer and more expensive, residential builders are turning to steel as the building material of choice. Now you can improve your bottom line by learning to design and build steel-framed residential structures that are energy efficient, low in cost, and easy to build. Using examples from award-winning houses, this clear, step-by-step guide provides everything a residential contractor needs to know to build a steel-framed house--quickly and easily. You'll discover how to select the right materials and tools. . .use energy-efficient HVAC units, appliances, and lighting. . .choose the best windows and doors. . .and optimize landscaping and solar design. The book will enable you to: overcome steel's thermal deficiencies through proper design and insulation--and surpass the energy efficiency of traditional building materials; conduct your own Model Energy Code energy analysis for compliance with HUD regulations; explore CABO- and UBC-approved steel framing details for a complete two-bedroom house plan. With lots of money-saving tips on ordering and using proper building materials--plus professional advice on applying traditional and new methods of interior and exterior insulation--this is the most complete and practical resource available on a subject of increasing importance to residential builders and designers.




Design and Construction of High-performance Homes


Book Description

Both professionals and students are increasingly committed to achieving high-performance metrics in the design, construction and operation of residential buildings. This book responds to this demand by offering a comprehensive guide which features: architectural innovations in building skin technologies which make lighter more transparent buildings high performing energy-free architectural design principles and advances in building-integrated photovoltaics essential engineering principles, controls and approaches to simulation for achieving net zero the advantages of integrated design in residential construction and the challenges and opportunities it engenders detailed case studies of innovative homes which have incorporated low-energy design solutions, new materials, alternative building assemblies, digital fabrication, integrated engineering systems and operational controls. Divided into four parts, the book discusses the requisite AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) knowledge needed when building a high-performance home. It also communicates this information across four case studies, which provide the reader with a thorough overview of all aspects to be considered in the design and construction of sustainable homes. With contributions from experts in the field, the book provides a well-rounded and multi-faceted approach. This book is essential reading for students and professionals in design, architecture, engineering (civil, mechanical and electrical), construction and energy management.




Designed to Perform


Book Description

How do we ensure sustainable buildings perform as intended? The performance gap between predicted and actual energy use in new homes has been identified as key problem by government and industry experts. This updated edition is an illustrated practical design guide to delivering better energy performance in all types of new build homes. It introduces readers to the concept of the performance gap and highlights clear issues and solutions to help architects improve their detailing at design stage. The book: Features annotated details with photos taken from live construction sites Includes accessible practical guidance for busy practitioners Raises construction quality and performance of new homes Promotes the case for more architect supervision throughout the construction process A new chapter features innovative low carbon building methods, including hempcrete blocks, clay blocks and straw bale. All information has been updated to reflect the latest data with fresh details and technologies.