3.1

Minimize house size to reduce material and resource consumption

Reduce plan size while optimizing space efficiency and livability

Consider the viability of a narrow house and site: small structural span reduces construction cost; clear spans allow flexibility in internal partitions; allows narrower lot widths

Focus on quality rather than quantity

Eliminate wasted space and rethink conventional standards

Minimize maintenance and housework

Guide Links:
House: Height

Web Links:
Not So Big House, www.notsobighouse.com

3.2

Incorporate daylighting, natural ventilation, and passive heating

When appropriate, orient the house on air east-west axis to optimize solar access for daylighting, natural ventilation, and passive heating

Consider siting and massing to optimize natural ventilation during the cooling season

Address solar control and shading during the overheated period at the site, building, and/or component scales

Guide Links:
Components: Equipment: heating and cooling
House: Window Area
House: Window Orientation

Web Links:
Energy Design Resources, www.energydesignresources.com

3.3

Reduce complexity and use modular dimensions

Use compact and uncomplicated volumes, plans, and sections

Work with standard material dimensions and modules (e.g. 2', 4' and 8')

Guide Links:
House: Height

3.4

Design the house location, layout and window placement to optimize indoor environmental quality

Consider separating the garage from the house to eliminate possible exposure to carbon monoxide

Isolate hazardous activities from the living area (workshop, art room, special activities)

Test for and mitigate radon through foundation details and proper venting

Locate windows and skylights to optimize seasonal opportunities for natural ventilation

Provide locked chemical storage unit outside living area

Guide Links:
Components: Equipment: Heating (furnace)

3.5

Consider eliminating the basement

Minimize opportunities for health and construction problems associated with moisture, mold, mildew, and radon infiltration

Guide Links:
House: Basement

3.6

Consider including flexible, adaptable, and/or unpartitioned spaces

Design to accommodate changing space needs, activities, and users: home offices; nurseries; elderly guest room, etc.

Consider possible social and cultural factors

3.7

Include expansion space

Consider providing unfinished livable basement and/or attic

Design to easily accommodate additions and "add-ons"

Web Links:
Grow Home, www.mcgill.ca/ott/technologies/pureappsci/92012/

3.8

Consider providing "do-it-yourself options"

Consider leaving some areas of the house unfinished to reduce construction costs and mortgage (e.g. kitchens, closets, bathrooms, cabinetry, unfinished basements and attics, etc.)

3.9

Consider providing an accessory apartment and/or rental unit to provide income to supplement the mortgage

3.10

Consider curb appeal and added value

"Curb appeal" issues to consider: windows, color, porches, front doors, entry, flower boxes, landscaping, etc.

Consider similar issues inside such as where to put high quality materials and detail to lower cost materials