4 cutting-edge green home designs

4. DreamWork Green Home

Architect
Todd Hallett, AIA, CAPS
TK Design and Associates
thallett@tkhomedesign.com
248.446.1960
www.tkhomedesign.com

Plan Size
House
Living area: 4,191 sf
Finished lower level: 2,213 sf
Porches: 106 sf
Width: 69 feet
Depth: 51 feet, 2 inches  
Garage
Total area: 864 sf
Width: 24 feet, 2 inches
Depth: 36 feet, 8 inches

This design is a home built by DreamWork Builders of Brighton, Mich. The owner, Amy Crotty, and I designed the house to be her personal home. Situated on beautiful Hidden Lake, this home takes advantage of passive solar design and green technologies like geothermal and insulated concrete forms. The home scored 61 on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index.

A. The kitchen is large and functional, using all Energy Star-rated appliances

B. High-efficiency wood-clad windows with low-e glass

C. Cellulose insulation of recycled materials is used in all exterior walls and attic spaces, including in the garage

D. The basement is formed using insulated concrete forms to provide more energy efficiency and natural disaster resistance

E. Passive solar integrated in the design using large, southerly overhangs, which allow the low winter sun to reach deep into the home while blocking the high summer sun

F. Mechanical systems include geothermal heating and cooling, as well as low-flow toilets and a tankless water heater

G. Garage extends to block northerly winds, providing a buffer to the main house