Choosing energy-smart products
When building your new home, don't forget about the importance of energy-conserving products like furnaces, air conditioners and appliances.
Geodesic domes
A geodesic design uses interconnected triangles to create a strong, environmentally friendly structure.
Some call it a "dome home," but the technical term is a geodesic dome.
How it works
A geodesic design uses triangles to create a super-strong sphere structure. The shape encloses the most amount of space with the least amount of materials, making these homes very economical and earth-friendly.
The most famous geodesic dome in the world is "Spaceship Earth" at Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park.
Benefits
The freestanding dome shape allows tremendous flexibility in the placement of walls and the size and shape of rooms. Nooks and crannies can be used for storage and play space.
The high open ceiling provides great ventilation and bright sunlight all day long. In the summer, warm air rises along the curved walls and escapes through windows in the top of the dome, providing natural air conditioning.
More from this category
Talk to your utilities
Before you break ground on a new house, give your utility companies a call. They can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and construction delays.
Structural insulated panels
Structural insulated panels, also called SIPs, foam-core panels or stress-skin panels, are significantly more airtight than stud walls.
Energy efficient kitchen remodel
This kitchen remodel features a new window, energy-efficient lighting, new appliances and side-wall insulation.
Building an energy-smart house
Insulated concrete forms
An insulated concrete form (ICF) system eliminates the cold drafts typical of wood-frame construction.
Turning a barn into an energy-smart home
Aging in place
Green home construction
More builders are offering sustainable choices in new home construction. Find out what's available and how it impacts the earth and the bottom line.