Homestead House
In the late 1800s, over one million pioneers pushed into the Western Plain states to live off the land. Once they arrived, they needed a roof over their heads and looked to the local environment for inspiration about where to begin. The homesteaders had no other option but to use nearby building materials and rely on passive systems such as wind and sunlight. This vernacular architectural approach and style is the inspiration for Homestead House.
Much like homesteaders of the past, Greensburg would like to be the green pioneer of the future. Similar to the historical Kansas homestead, this "Eco-Homestead" will be built using local resources and knowledge; the designer, Robert McLaughlin was raised here in Greensburg. We hope many of the funds for the home will come from regional companies, while the Kansas City chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council has already provided consulting services. Additionally, we aim to have a large percentage of building materials sourced locally including the timber, which could be reclaimed from regional barns and fallen Greensburg trees. We also hope to showcase local art throughout the home.
Beyond using local material and expertise in building the Homestead House, we will also be taking local climatic conditions into consideration. Like the Kansas pioneers of the 19th Century, we will be using the sun to light the rooms and provide warmth in the wintertime. We will also be collecting rainwater to irrigate our native vegetation outside the home, and channeling the gusty Kansas wind to passively ventilate the space during the summer months.
Green Features
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Site Considerations
- Highly efficient floor plan and small square footage will Reduce Impact on the land
- All low-pitched roofs will be covered by a GreenRoof to help mitigate water runoff, moderate temperature extremes and put oxygen back into the atmosphere
- Large areas of south-facing glass will be used for Passive Solar heat gain in the winter, but will be shaded by overhangs in the summer
- Concrete wall construction will provide long term Durability and resistance to storm damage
Building Envelope
- Square shaped floor plan will minimize the amount of exterior walls and reduce construction cost as well as reduce the area for potential heat loss
- High Efficiency Windows and Doors will be used for energy conservation
- Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) will be used for the exterior wall construction
- Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS) will be used for the roof structure and insulation to provide superior energy conservation
Water Use
- Rainwater Collection system will collect water runoff from the roof into a cistern for use in irrigation
- Domestic water supply will be run through the floor to provide radiant cooling
- All plumbing fixtures will be placed close together for a reduced plumbing-core
- Low-Flow Fixtures and Dual-Flush Toilets will be used to reduce water usage
- Solar Hot Water system will heat water for domestic use as well as for radiant floor heating
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Materials
- Standing seam metal roof and siding contains a high percentage of Recycled Content and is 100% Recyclable at the end of it's life cycle
- Recycled Wood trusses and porch rafters will keep materials out of the landfill and save virgin woods from being used
- Recycled Glass will be seeded into the concrete floor surface and polished to provide a terrazzo-like look
- Certified Sustainable Wood cabinets and trim will be used to protect forest resources
Lighting
- Solar Tube Skylights will be used to provide natural daylight for interior rooms and reduce the need for daytime lighting
- Clerestory windows will be used for improved daylight in the main living spaces
Indoor Air Quality
- Air-to-air heat exchanger will be used to ventilate the building
- Low or No Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) finishes and materials will be used to reduce chemical off-gassing into the air
Energy
- Exposed concrete floor will provide thermal mass for passive solar heat gain and passive cooling
- Laminated, low-profile PhotoVoltaic (PV) Solar Panels will be mounted on the standing seam roof
- A "Solar Trellis" will be added to the south side to screen windows and provide additional PV power
- High Efficiency Dual-Fuel Heatpump will be used to supplement additional heating and cooling needs
- Energy Star Appliances will be used
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Site Plan
Floor Plan
Elevations
Interior Renderings
