Best House Floor Plans

Solar house plans are not only eco-friendly but cost efficient. Not to mention, the single family dwelling , developed incorporating green home design, has a higher property value. But, aside from reducing energy costs and carbon footprint on the planet, there are several facts to consider and know about solar house plans:

• There are two types of solar house plans. Solar house plans come in two green home designs: passive or active

• With a passive solar house plan, the material used to build the house  utilizes the sun to to manage the inside climate. 

• An active solar house plan uses solar panels to collect and store sunlight.
• Solar house plans require exacting land plotting to maximize southern sun exposure.

• For ultimate energy savings and green home design, solar house plans incorporating both passive and active solar energy.

• With the passive solar house plan, bedrooms and most popular rooms of the domicile should be situation on the south side of the home.

• Solar house plans are highly effective in cities where there is ample sunshine.

• The ultimate land for the solar house plan is a deep lot with north and south exposure, allowing for the most autonomy over the solar zone.  To maximize solar access, explore lots with a south sloping versus a north sloping land.

• For instance,  House Plans and More features adobe style house plans, which are comprised of mud bricks to absorb the sun in the day to warm the household in the evening.
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• Prior to finalizing solar house plan, it is critical to check with the local zoning laws. Depending on the developments easements and the covenants associated with the deeded lot, certain restrictions may prevent the building of a solar house plan.

Browse these solar house plans for green home design ideas.

When many homeowners ponder the dream home, an expansive log home floor plan comes to mind. Unlike the practicality that log home floor plans originally played in housing immigrants, farmers and ranchers, the house plan is preferred today for its classic architecture. 

• The history of the log home floor plan chronicles the 17^th and 18^th centuries when Eastern European immigrants moved to America.

• The log home floor plan is prime for natural furnishings. Bamboo, teak, lava rock, glass and Jerusalem stone  are décor compatible.

• Some architects recommend that homebuyers experience spending the night in a vacation log home before opting for the floor plan.

• As for containing building costs, architects recommend opting for a log home floor plan with few corners.

• To save on building costs, shop for log home floor plans with a simple roof line.

• Select log home floor plans that are comprised of fewer intricate design features to allow for reducing energy costs. For example, a large window facing southern exposure heats the home during the winter months.

• The smaller the square footage and efficiently divided rooms, the more economical the log home floor plan is to build.

• According to certain heat and cooling contractors, well sealed wall logs coupled with a wood stove offers a better savings on the heating bill than an open fireplace.

• Today, many log home floor plans are architected in accordance with  various certification standards by Leadership in Energy and Environmental  Design (LEED).  

• House Plans and More.com maintains an extensive database of log home floor plans, an home floor plan estimator as well as other house plan styles.

Review related information by clicking on  ”log-home-floor plans“

This time of year, many homeowners find themselves exploring new home floor plans and making considerations for an aesthetic renovation. Prior to embarking upon any beautification project, green building architects emphasize the importance of updating the water system, electricity, home’s heat and air conditioning system. Since building green saves money over the life of a home, it makes for an astute investment.

Although it’s true that new home floor plans have a way of breathing new life into a home’s architecture, many heating and cooling contractors advise that homeowners start with an energy efficiency update, as in the whole-house system’s approach.

The whole-house systems approach affords a bevy of advantages. Primarily, these energy efficiency components are devised precisely to curtail both maintenance and utility costs. Even more appealing are the health, safety, home floor plan durability and comfortable living characteristics that the whole-house systems approach affords. In other words, these element play an critical role in building green.

Green building evaluates everything from how the occupants interact in the space, the climate to other  other home floor plan components, including:

• Insulation and air sealing
• Entrances, Doors, skylights, and windows, doors
• Water heating
• Natural light and lighting
• Space heating and cooling
• Energy efficient appliances and home electronics

As a result, the efficacy of using the whole house system’s approach to determine the design strategy for the new house floor plan is vital.  Consider the following green building elements to help select the right home floor plan:

• Earth-sheltered
• Energy Homes
• Log Homes
• Manufactured Homes
• Solar House Plans
• Straw Bale Homes

Be sure to bookmark Best House Floor Plans and More as we will be reviewing the aforementioned floor plans upcoming weeks.

If you’re planning to have your home architected using green building processes, the proceeding questions and answers illustrate the basics for green building and provide a few detail about building a new house plan.  

What is LEED?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Green Building Rating System used to be a commercial construction option.  Growing in popularity among homeowners, the green building construction process requires certification to meet various green building benchmarks.

Which organization has oversight over Leadership in Energy an Environmental Design?

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) oversees and helps set the  standards for building homes and buildings in accordance  LEED® building. The USGBC developed benchmarks, which are nationally accepted. LEED® ratings evaluate green building based on three rudimentary criteria: design, construction and the reduction of carbon emission via high-performance environmentally sound buildings.

Which types of home energy construction potentially qualify for LEED® construction?

Geothermal energy and solar energy projects are generally applicable for LEED. Both work to decrease fossil fuels consumption. Since, geothermal energy is a derivative of the earth, it is practically unlimited, requiring minimal energy.

On the other hand, solar energy is quite versatile. With numerous mounting options, roof, shingles, walls, ceilings, and windows, the multi-purposed systems heat water, warm and cool the home.

Are there specific grading systems for LEED?

Yes, the USGBC developed a Green Building Rating System for LEED®, which includes the following rating levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Certified. Rating levels are determined by certified contractors.

Aside from building a home that is better for the environment, what are the benefits of green building?

The other advantages and incentives for LEED green building  include the following:

• Architect a healthier place to live
• Conserve on water and energy
• Minimize carbon emissions, which are detrimental to the planet’s eco-system
• Take advantage of various zoning allowances and tax credits
• Lower operational costs, which increase the property’s asset value
• Decrease the amount of waste, which ends up in landfills

Click on LEED Green Building to read about putting your constructing your new house plan into action.

Heating your home in the winter can be costly and environmentally unfriendly no matter what type of home or house plan you have. Taking steps to winterize your home and carefully considering your heating options can save you money while helping to make your home green. If you are considering geothermal heating this winter, a recent post on the Hoffmann Brothers St. Louis heating and cooling blog mentioned the following recent regulations regarding geothermal heating and the energy tax credit:

“On December 1st 2009 The Environmental Protection Agency announced revised regulations for residential geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). The new requirements approve water-to-water geothermal pumps to qualify for the Energy Star label. In the past, the geothermal standards were conventional pumps, only. This means that homeowners are entitled to a 30 percent tax credit with the installation of any geothermal heating pump.”

For a more efficient form of heating this winter consider geothermal heating and its value to your home and the environment.

Related Articles:

10-Things to Know About Geothermal Heating and the Energy Tax Credit

 Simple Green Home Energy Tips

At Dictionary.com, the definition of a hearth is “the fireplace’s floor, usually made of brick or stone…often extending a short distance into a room.” With more domiciles trying to be green, hearths are making a comeback in home design. Several Web sites, such as Home Floor Plans and More, are highlighting these antiquated heat sourced, centerpieces as a catalyst for being green.

Best House Floors Plans went snooping around to determine the benefits, green features and facts about hearths. Here’s what we learned:

1)    Hearth rooms are emerging as the new gathering epicenter of the home. Situated in close proximity to the kitchen, and the midpoint of the home floor plan, hearths warm multiple rooms at a time.

2)    In home design and as seen on these house floor plans, hearths are a sizzling new trend.

3)    Over the last decade, numerous new energy efficient, burning fireplaces and inserts have become available on the market. These new products release far less particulate matter than older models.

4)    According to HomePlansandMore, hearth rooms are also referred to as a “keeping room”, characteristic of Colonial times.

5)    Constructed of stone or brick, hearths are emblematic of masonry fireplaces.

6)    Although, many people contend that hearths are not designed to be a primary heat source, most agree that hearths institute a sense of aesthetic warmth.

7)    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed a program, mandating the certification of hearths, built-in fireplaces and fireplace inserts.  As a result, consumers, who are shopping for a hearth, can learn how-to distinguish the green fireplace insert.

8)    Certain hearths, fireplace inserts and fireplaces qualify for the federally funded Tax Credit, which covers up to $1500 or a 30 percent credit of the total purchase, (effective now through December 31, 2010).

9)    Environmentalists theorize that a biomass, burning fireplace can save heating costs, annually by up to 40 percent.

So, you be the judge, do you think hearths are really green?

Add your opinion.

Related Articles:

Gas Burning 101

Wood Fireplace Insert Pros and Cons

Fireplace Solutions That Are Economical, Energy Efficient, Eco-Friendly, and Easy

What Is A Keeping Room?

Gargantuan, expansive, and exuding a myriad of design options, mansion house floor plans are greener and more luxurious than ever. Given the magnitude and cost to heat and cool a mansion, opting for the home with eco-friendly features is non-negotiable. Aside from expansive floor plans and high-end amenities, we found these luxury mansions to include a short list of wondrous architectural floor plans:

-    Colonial
-    European
-    Mediterranean
-    Modular Homes
-    Traditional
-    Victorian

In quest of more than guest suites, media rooms, cabanas, Best House floor Plan went searching on the Internet for luxury mansion floor plans, highlighting green qualities or eco-friendly characteristics. The criteria consisted of solar panels, eco-windows, skylights and anything proving to be energy efficient and environmentally conducive. Here are the reports of our findings:

Imagine closets the depth and width of an average-sized bedroom. Watch television from a media room, which closely resembles a movie theatre. In the sunken great room, far-reaching cathedral ceilings are punctuated by fireplace layered in stonemasonry. This is what we found with mansion house floor plan #592-001D.

At HousePlansandMore.com, we were captivated by the magnitude of this Green Home Floor Plan. With 4958 square feet of living space, the upscale arts and crafts home plan is divided between two floors, five bedrooms, and a three-car garage. The green interior boasts an A-list of amazing features. Outside of the entryway, maintained between an angular roof, affixed with skylights, stately pillars are constructed of river stone. A recycled glass countertop serves as a sustainable alternative to granite, marble and other types of kitchen work surfaces.

At this luxury mansion home floor plans, the see-through fireplace and solarium evoked covetous feelings. During the winter months, a solarium offset, by a u-shaped staircase depicts a warmth and picturesque view. On the main floor, a see through fireplace offers heat and warmth throughout the hearth and dining rooms.

But with so many mansion home floor plans to dream about, one must see the homes at HouseFloorPlansandMore.com.

Meanwhile, be sure to check back in several weeks, when we deconstruct hearth rooms.

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There are several misconceptions about the design and green qualities of the modular home. In this installment of Best House Floor Plans, we’re evaluating five common fallacies associated with the home built off-site:

Fallacy #1: Modular homes require almost a year to build.
On the contrary and depending on the size of the modular home, the factory built domicile has an assembly time of three to five days. Once the modular home is transported to the construction site, it requires only two to three months of construction time, compared to the conventional home, which requires nine months to a year for completion.

Fallacy#2: Modular homes are more expensive to build.
According to national averages reported by architects, modular homes are 10 to 20 percent more cost effective than the standard built home.

Fallacy #3: Since, modular homes have to be transported from point “A” to its final site location, the factory built home is not green.Actually, many factory built homes are developed in accordance to a rating system, mandated by the U.S. Green Building Council. An example is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). These pre-constructed homes are by far more energy efficient to live in.

Fallacy#4: The home built by module has only one insipid home style.
Contrary to popular belief, modular homes are architected into a myriad of style options:

Colonial
Contemporary
Contemporary
Dutch colonial
Georgian
Mediterranean
Victorian

Fallacy #5: The building green concept is a marketing ploy used to promote the modular home building industry.
Several years before going green or being eco-friendly was popularized, modular manufactures analyzed the amount of waste and its effect on the environment. The findings showed that significantly more building materials end up in landfills during standard home builds than the pre-fabricated home.

Moreover, the home floor plan, erected by module is green because it offers three redeeming qualities:

-    It is environmentally conducive for the occupant, as well as the planet
-    Decreases homeowner’s operational costs on energy
-    Has a substantially smaller carbon footprint

In summation, modular homes are not only eco-friendly, but exude highly stylized characteristics, often indistinguishable to the traditional constructed home.

Read more on Modular Home Design.

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What is a Modular home?

How Modular Homes and Manufactured Homes Differ

Building a Modular Home

Why Build Modular?

Prefab homes sprout green designs, improve affordability

Prefab Homes Green and Energy Efficient

Improving your house plan’s energy efficiency with home insulation.

If your house floor plan calls for reducing your energy bill, insulating the home is a cost effective solution. There are six telltale signs that your domicile really needs a home insulation update:

• High energy bills – if your heating and cooling costs are exorbitant, home insulation can shave your energy costs over the duration of your ownership.
• Extreme temperatures disparities – If your house really sizzles during summer months and turns into the South Pole in the winter, insulation will regulate the temperatures.
• Over 25 years old – Eighty percent of the homes built prior to the 80s were constructed without insulation. New constructions should include the floor plan’s insulation schematics.
• Street and Road Noise – if you can hear screeching tires and other road sounds, home insulation will silence a percentage of those loud noises.

If all the aforementioned indications are too familiar proceed with the following:

• Before you insulate your home, find out which insulation is conducive for your climate, the schematics of your property.
• Set a budge according to the insulation R-values of your property. Vital Fact: “R-Values” are relevant to home insulation because they determine how resistant the roof and walls are to the transfer of heat. R-values are based on your region’s climate, the home’s design, and other contingencies.
• Read more about the various types of insulation, below:

Types of Home Insulation
Insulation can be comprised of a number of materials. Generally, insulation is available in different formats:

• Foam Insulation: is twice as thick as other insulation materials of the same density (R-4 to R-6.5/ per inch of thickness).
• Blanket, roll and bat are a derivative of rock wool and fiberglass insulation. The flexible material comes in a variation of slab sizes suitable for standard wall spacing, floor hoists, and wall studs.
  Mini particles of rock wool, cellulose or fiberglass are the most common materials contained in loose fill insulation. Sold in nodules, shreds or granules, this type of insulation is conducive for those hard to reach places, using a pneumatic device.
  Ideal for interior environments with limited space or areas that require higher R-values, rigid foam insulation is good for rooms with cathedral ceilings as well as lofted areas.

What’s the best framing material to design my new greenhouse?

If you’re thinking about developing the floor plans to a new greenhouse, there’s more to choosing between a cold frame and wooden frame. Greenhouse building materials depends on several factors:

• How much space do you have?
• What is your budget?
• How you plan to use your greenhouse?
• How much time do you have to invest in the maintenance of your greenhouse?

Today, we’re reviewing four common greenhouse frames:

• Cold frame
• Galvanized steel
• Wooden frame
• Aluminum-metal frames

Cold Frame
The cold frame is the least expensive and easiest greenhouse to add to your house floor plans. Unlike other greenhouses, where artificial sources of heat are used, the cold frame depends on natural sunlight. The cold frame greenhouse is a good place for the novice gardener to start. For the veteran, it works as a handy supplement to the main greenhouse.

Wood
The combination of glass in a wooden frame green house is visually appealing. The wooden green house is conducive for extremely arid climates. Although wooden frame seems like a natural structure for a greenhouse, there’s a downside: moisture absorption. As it absorbs moisture, wood frames tend to rot rapidly, calling for too much maintenance and too many treatment applications.

Galvanized steel
One of the best and most expensive greenhouse structures is galvanized steel. With its durability and the capacity to withstand the harshest of environments, the galvanized greenhouse frame is built to last. Costlier and more heavy-duty than the wooden frame, the galvanized steel greenhouse is resilient to wear and tear, and does not call for the extra work.

Aluminum Metal Frame
Aside from the value, there’s a wealth of reasons to opt for the aluminum frame greenhouse. The advantages are lifespan and overall care. The aluminum-metal frame greenhouse is suitable for extending growing seasons and maintaining a garden all year round. Aluminum requires very little in the way of maintenance. What most greenhouse owners, love about the material, is that it does not rot or rust.

For more examples, check out greenhouse framing materials.

Generally, aluminum frames come in several colors or finishes:

• Bronze
• Dark Silver
• Green
• Silver
• White

In fact, the aluminum greenhouse has a reputation for weather resiliency. Because the slight framing minimizes shadows, botanicals get the best sun exposure. Moreover, in terms of windows, the aluminum – metal green house is compatible with a number of paneling alternatives:

• Glass
• Polycarbonate
• Plastic

At the end of the day, whether, you decide on a cold frame, wooden frame, aluminum metal or galvanized steel, the ultimate green house decision is based on budget and time. In case you missed our first installation on greenhouses, you can catch up on your research with Green house Floor Planning Considerations.

But, click here for more ideas on adding a greenhouse to you house floor plan.