AIA’S NEW HOW-TO WEBSITE: Featuring green design
by Tylene Levesque
Daunted by the process of selecting an architect to work with you on your next project? The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has just launched their new website How Design Works For You to help navigate clients through the design process from selecting an architect to determining which sustainable building practices work best for you.
The site features a great video case study of Medora Woods’ sustainable home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Watch as a steep hillside plot of land is transformed into a compact (16-ft wide, 1,100 sq. ft.) and efficient home with the help of AIA architect Sarah Nettleton. Take advantage of the “Assets & Artifacts” features to learn tidbits of information like how a “snorkel” in the yard can cool and heat the house up to ten degrees without using any energy.
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I’ve always been interested in the snorkel setup, but have been turned off by the possibilities of legionella growing in the pipes. I’d assume measures have been taken to take care of moisture in the pipes. Whole house cooling can be accomplished using a network of underground pipes, but I don’t think many of these types of setups are in place. Building code changes with time and location, but many require that the house be sealed, this system relies on a constant supply of fresh outside air.