Hi anyone who can help just off the top of their head
I have this research project which I need help with finding the latest and best ideas for a green building
What would you recommend for:

(1) The type of truss or frame of the roof and shape/angle of the roof
(2) The material for building and the framework etc concrete/timber/steel
(3) What would be the best material for the floor
(4) What is the best solar energy system
(5) What is the water and heating system
(6) What is the best ventilation system
(7) Know any cool one story building designs
(8) What is the best insulation

If you guys have any good or future ideas that would be awesome.
I was thinking of having big water tanks built into the building
Stuff like that would be great

Thanks heaps
T-Dawg

Hey T-Dawg Check out: http://www.zeroenergyhomedallas.com/ to get some great ideas that are real, and work. Good luck!

A lot of your answers will depend on variables such as what the building is going to be used for, where the building is to be located, any proposed budget for the building, etc.

Thanks JakeG

There is no budget, hot location and it is to be like a pub/function area

IF YOU WANT TO BUILD A MERCEDES MAYBACH YOU SHOULD NOT FORGET THAT OUT OF A VOLKSWAGEN YOU CAN`T DO IT!! But I promise to build you a 850,000$ Home for 480,000 investment. Totally passive and totally made from Europe skype: rolftruhoel

Paintable Solar Cells you can check it out on You Tube and of course the Nansulate product line, just a few of the latest green ideas.

T-Dawy,

Try this!

1.   Steel - Staying away from wood will prevent 'Rot, Termites, Mold, Warping and it adds fuel for fires'

2.   Pre-Insulated Steel Framing System, check  www.KwikBuildPanels.com

3.   Need to know if you are on a slab or sub-floor

4.   Depends on your location, it could be PV's, Wind or Geothermal

5.   Again more info is needed on location, it may be 'Passive'

6.   -------

7.   -------

8.   EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) the R-Value remains unchanged for the life of structure


Good Luck,


David, Kwik-Build Panels

We are fond of this 14,000 sq. foot commercial office condo, the "no-wood" SIP shell walls and roof , was erected in just 10 working days
Made with 25% recyled skin materials and recyclable skins and EPS core, USDA approved interior skin finish make for a cleaner IAQ

Check out this site for some potential ideas -

http://www.designcoalition.org/articles/Lansing-LHJ/details.htm

Google Hercuwall.

It was the featured wall system product at the GreenBuild Convention & Expo last week in Phoenix. Amazing system.

Well I have been a Green builder for many years here in florida
1-2-8 can be taken care of with Steel SIPs
3- Polished concrete
4-5-Solar Eletric & hot water
6-matters what area you are in, Fla Heat pumps with air exchange air unit.
7.Steel SIPS can be built and finished to any building shape ............ Me round or square Hip roof

And all this fits to USGBC & FGBC green building guide lines

Ralph Locke,Deland,Fl
Environmental Construction & Consulting Inc
www.Flagreenbuilder.com...........386-490-4599

I would step back and consider the architecture first. From there you can apply all of the sustainable techniques.

T-Dawg, Add ICF to the mix of research options. Can't be beat for strength. Difficult to beat for sound transmission (STC), Fire Rating and themal envelope. Regards.

Geothermal if hvac is needed.Not big on solar unless your in an area of 200+ days of sunshine per year. Wind is also site specific if it is truly viable. Geothermal works almost everywhere..almost. Eric

Posted By TexasICF on 19 Jan 2010 09:09 AM
T-Dawg, Add ICF to the mix of research options. Can't be beat for strength. Difficult to beat for sound transmission (STC), Fire Rating and themal envelope. Regards.

Texas ICF,

what is the fire rating of your ICF walls?

Chris,

UL Classification 4 hours (6 inch concrete) 11 1/4 inch including foam -- SEE U930. One or two other ICFs have 4 hour ratings (with 6 inch concrete) but NUDURA is the only one with a UL classification using 1/2 sheetrock and no additives (e.g. fibermesh or other). Virtually all ICFs have a 3 hour ratings and several have UL ratings to 3 hours - many have ratings that are not on the UL level - yet performance will be similar. One or two may have UL with 8 inches concrete of 4 hours. Regards.