seeking sustainability opinions here....we have a concept design for renovation/extension of an old 1930s arts & crafts house that we wanted to gauge broader opinion on before committing to structural & engineering stage....particularly from a sustainability perspective in relation to the lantern style roof....we live in Melbourne Australia (midday sun from the Nth!)....we are the owners and intend this as our forever home... any views/opinions would be greatly appreciated as with any questions. thank you. JJ
Non Sequitur
Jun 7, 17 12:17 am
This is something you should discuss with your architect. That's what you're paying him/her for right?
Miles Jaffe
Jun 7, 17 6:54 am
Consulting starts at $400/hr. plus expenses.
Volunteer
Jun 7, 17 7:29 am
Live in the house for a year before doing anything. Seriously. You will find many of the elements you wanted to change are quite useful and appropriate and many of the things you wanted to add are not necessary and may even detract from your enjoyment of the home.
geezertect
Jun 7, 17 1:14 pm
Yes, great advice. Also, you may end up not liking something and not having any way to fix it. Like the neighborhood or the neighbors.
jlawson
Jun 13, 17 7:10 am
Thanks all for your comments...its a duanting process and committing to a design that we have to live with for next 20yrs is no small thing. We'll likely go consult with a specialist sustainability firm to refine this plan as Melbourne is a hot summer /cold winter place and gas & electric prices are going thru the roof...good sustainable design should save us in the long run and be better for our beautiful planet. Thansk JJ
Volunteer
Jun 13, 17 7:23 am
Landscaping can often do as much, if not more, in ameliorating heating and cooling costs. A lot of it is not that esoteric, just use of low walls and hedges and evergreens to impart turbulence to winter winds, deciduous trees to shade in the summer and allow sunlight in the winter, ect. Good luck.
hi all
seeking sustainability opinions here....we have a concept design for renovation/extension of an old 1930s arts & crafts house that we wanted to gauge broader opinion on before committing to structural & engineering stage....particularly from a sustainability perspective in relation to the lantern style roof....we live in Melbourne Australia (midday sun from the Nth!)....we are the owners and intend this as our forever home... any views/opinions would be greatly appreciated as with any questions. thank you. JJ
This is something you should discuss with your architect. That's what you're paying him/her for right?
Consulting starts at $400/hr. plus expenses.
Live in the house for a year before doing anything. Seriously. You will find many of the elements you wanted to change are quite useful and appropriate and many of the things you wanted to add are not necessary and may even detract from your enjoyment of the home.
Yes, great advice. Also, you may end up not liking something and not having any way to fix it. Like the neighborhood or the neighbors.
Thanks all for your comments...its a duanting process and committing to a design that we have to live with for next 20yrs is no small thing. We'll likely go consult with a specialist sustainability firm to refine this plan as Melbourne is a hot summer /cold winter place and gas & electric prices are going thru the roof...good sustainable design should save us in the long run and be better for our beautiful planet. Thansk JJ
Landscaping can often do as much, if not more, in ameliorating heating and cooling costs. A lot of it is not that esoteric, just use of low walls and hedges and evergreens to impart turbulence to winter winds, deciduous trees to shade in the summer and allow sunlight in the winter, ect. Good luck.