Housing I 7.05 Technological Advances in Home Design

Plastic Pipes replace Copper Pipes Lighter weight, less expensive than copper Not biodegradable Check local code to see size and type of pipe needed

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

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

Green building is designing, building, and operating homes to use materials, energy and water efficiently.

Examples: Using “alternative” energy technologies = solar energy or geo-thermal heat pumps

using more insulation

using energy-efficient heating & cooling systems ex. low-e glass, energy efficient appliances

choosing recyclable building materials designing homes to use less material - ex steel is stronger than wood so for framing less material is needed

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

SMART houses:  a structure with a central computer for programming its environment, devices, and appliances

Close circuit TV 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