Housing I 7.05
Technological Advances in
Home Design
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Plastic Pipes replace Copper Pipes
Lighter weight, less expensive than copper
Not biodegradable
Check local code to see size and type of
pipe needed
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Biomaterials organically based building
materials made from recycled materials;
less expensive, last longer than wood,
won’t warp or split, has high strength
Can be molded into variety of
shapes/forms
Disadvantage: it is not biodegradable
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Plastic lumber: made from recycled plastics
Is a low maintenance option for decking and
other outdoor uses
Composite lumber: made by applying pressure
to paper thin strips of wood that have been
sprayed with glue.
Used for beams, joists, studs, window/door frames
More expensive than real wood but stronger and less
likely to warp or shrink
Lighting
Motion sensor lighting: movement causes
light to turn on within a given area
Light emitting diode (LED):consumes less
energy than incandescent bulb and last 10x
longer, light is very focused and durable, will not
break
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Green building
is designing,
building, and
operating homes
to use materials,
energy and
water efficiently.
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Examples:
Using “alternative” energy technologies =
solar energy or geo-thermal heat
pumps
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using more insulation
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using energyefficient heating &
cooling systems
ex. low-e glass,
energy efficient
appliances
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choosing recyclable building materials
designing homes to use less material
- ex steel is stronger than wood so for
framing less material is needed
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Automated
management systems:
integrated and centrally
controlled system based on
computer technology
 Controls
- convenience
- energy management
- entertainment
- safety
Adds $$$$$ to the cost of home,
but will reduce energy bills
and insurance cost over life
of house
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SMART houses: a structure with a
central computer for programming its
environment, devices, and appliances
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Close circuit TV
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Installation of a TV and cameras placed so
that areas can be observed
Homeowner can use computer to check on
home at any time from any place
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