Design considerations
Our home and health are our key assets. Changing the way we build and subsequently, live in our homes, can significantly reduce the detrimental effects that our lifestyle has on the environment and our health.
Many home owners overlook simple design features that could make their homes comfortable and economical to live in during all seasons. Orientating a building to capture prevailing breezes and insulating walls and ceilings are just two methods of reducing household energy consumption. Insulating the ceiling and walls of a building reduces the heat flow between the outside to the inside and vice-versa. In summer, up to 35% of heat enters a house through an uninsulated ceiling, while approximately 15% to 25% enters through uninsulated walls (Sources: Environmental Protection Agency and CSR).
Also, through good design, we can prevent home accidents and injuries, increase the safety of people of all ages, and save on the cost of adapting a home later to meet people's changing lifestyle needs.
View the Research House Design Decision-Making Process.
Last updated 07 July 2005
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