November 16, 2023: Writing clarifies, and putting together a piece for my most-relied-on publication, Greeen Building Advisor, was an honor and very satisfying experience. Anyone who knows me well will know that (hopefully, only when asked), I’m not shy about making my opinion known or giving out advice. When it comes to home design, I came up with this pithy statement:
“Become curious about the space around you.”
Amber Westerman
In the article, I lay out 7 steps in the design process, with links to free or low-cost calculators, websites, or software that make the work easier.
- Think in 3D
- Know your Budget
- Study the Site
- Do a Heat Loss Calc
- Get a Blower Door Test
- Chose HVAC Equipment Based on Data
- Size a PV (photovoltaic) System
The upshot is that if you use space wisely, and insulate and air-seal beyond IECC (residential code), you can downsize the equipment needed to heat, cool, and power your life.
“Great article. You are a gifted communicator using words, pictures, and illustrations. This article is a great help to those of us contemplating building something similar”.
Green Building Advisor reader
POEM HOMES 