What Is a Sustainable Home?
A sustainable home is designed to take advantage of natural resources by optimizing energy and water use. A house utilizing quality systems that ensure durability and uses low-impact, high-performance materials is considered sustainable.
For a new home build, location, size and orientation should be considered. A sustainable design will take advantage of natural light and airflow to help heat and cool the home. This consideration reduces the energy consumption of cooling and heating systems.
Prefabricated Builds Provide a Sustainable Home
Yankee Barn Homes produces prefabricated panelized shell packages in our factory, then transports them to the building site, where they are permanently assembled. They do not take as long to construct as traditional houses, making them energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Our homes are only exposed to weather conditions during the few weeks of assembly, so they are sturdier than stick-built homes which face months of weather elements. Yankee Barn Homes are built from high-quality materials used in our True Roof™ and True Wall Panel System that includes double foil-faced Polyisocyanurate insulation. Our barrier wrap is Zip System ® Sheathing and Tape. We preinstall your choice of Andresen or Marvin Windows in the True Panels for a more efficient seal (and less time needed on the construction site). Read more on our True Panels
NOTE: The word Prefabricated concerns some people. They don’t like the idea of their home being assembled in pieces instead of being built from the ground up. There is a stigma that they are cheaply made and unattractive, but that is far from the truth. Yankee Barn Homes are custom homes crafted and tailored to each homeowner’s vision. Our prefabricated homes offer a reduction in construction waste disposal costs and streamlined assembly, making them an attractive option for those seeking a sustainable housing solution.
Sustainable Design Elements
High Performance Windows: Windows are responsible for over 50% of lost energy in homes. When building a sustainable house, consider new technologies such as double glazing, special coatings and nonconductive frames. Low solar gain windows and double glazing are great for warmer climates, while insulated frames, triple-glazed windows and designs that eliminate drafts are best for colder climates. Yankee Barn uses only high-performance windows from Andersen and Marvin. These include, but are not limited to, Clad Ultimate windows by Marvin and the 400 Series by Andersen.
Passive and Renewable Solar Design: Strategically place a new home on the build site for passive solar gain. Add solar panels as a cost-effect means of renewable energy.
Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are a proven way to provide secure and sustainable heating. Powered by low‐emissions electricity, heat pumps are the central technology in the global transition to secure and sustainable heating.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Think long term when furnishing your new sustainable home. Appliances with high energy ratings are more expensive, however, they’ll save you a lot of money in the long run. Pay close consideration to your kitchen and laundry appliances, as well as your central heating system.
Common Misconceptions of a Sustainable Home
There is a common misconception that sustainable homes are also more expensive to run and maintain. However, this isn’t the case. Eco-friendly houses benefit the environment, as well as your finances, and this applies to during the build and beyond. Sustainable design elements are not difficult to include in your new build and can assist you in living a greener lifestyle.
When it comes to building a sustainable home, you’re building with the future in mind. Consider your energy use, location, prefabricated components and how they can be used to create a home that will positively impact your lifestyle in the long run.
