Sustainable architectureA work of:

Chiara CERLINIFrancesca GARUFO

Cemre BAYSAN Aysu ALTUN

Photovoltaic panelsPhotovoltaics (PV) is a method

of  generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity using  semiconductors that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells containing a photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaics include monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide/sulfide. Due to the increased demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacturing of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years.

Plants and gardensHaving plants and

gardens outside your home is really good because they produce oxygen. It is an important thıng to fıght the pollution that you can produce with all the electric systems of your house.

Rain water collection

Collecting the water from the rain it’s very useful because you can reuse it instead of using the water from your hydro-system. For example, you can use it to water your garden or to wash your car.

Central dehumidification systemA dehumidifier is generally

a household appliance which reduces the level of humidity in the air, usually for health reasons. Humid air can cause mold and mildew to grow inside homes, both of which pose numerous health risks. Very humid climates or air make some people extremely uncomfortable, causing excessive sweating that can't evaporate in the already-moisture-saturated air. It can also cause condensation that can disrupt sleeping, or prevent laundry from drying thoroughly enough to prevent mustiness. Higher humidity is also preferred by most pests, including clothes moths, fleas, cockroaches, woodlice and dust mites.

Low/zero VOC flooring and paintIndoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes.Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which, until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint.New environmental regulations, and consumer demand, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most paint manufacturers now produce one or more non-VOC variety of paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to human and environmental health.

ENERGY STAR- APPLIANCES and light fixturesLighting products that have earned the ENERGY STAR deliver exceptional features, while using less energy. Saving energy helps you save money on utility bills and protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change. Light fixtures that have earned the ENERGY STAR combine quality and attractive design with the highest levels of energy efficiency available today.

Properly sized mechanicalsGreen mechanical systems don't waste energy or water and they keep the indoor air fresh. They do all of that because they're designed to work in well-insulated and tightly built houses. Mechanical systems aren’t independent stand-alone systems; the design of the plumbing and electrical systems and the type and size of the HVAC system depend on a range of factors including the building envelope, the climate, the size of the house, orientation, etc. Even with a tight, efficient envelope, a structure won’t reach its efficiency potential unless the mechanical systems are chosen and installed properly.Give equipment a chance to work efficiently. Air conditioners and air-source heat pumps have outside heat exchangers that rely on a free flow of air. When the equipment is boxed in by a small enclosure or trapped behind dense foliage it won't work as well.

The central vacuum systemThe central vacuum system is an innovative cleaning installation which is extremely efficient and advantageous. It can be easily used on all surfaces, floors and coverings, both internal and external. It is particularly indicated for hotels, and accommodation structures in general being extremely silent in that the central vacuum is generally placed in an isolated area or far away from busy environments, such as in a garage or a cellar. It offers maximum safety as there are no more metres of electrical cable and equipment in the rooms and there is no contact with the electrical current. It guarantees maximum hygiene in the environment and contributes in a reduction of the presence of mites in the same areas for a better quality of life. One of the biggest advantages of adopting the central vacuum cleaner is the inexpensiveness as it allows a notable saving of time and labour.

Safe room

A safe room or panic room is a fortified room which is installed in a private residence or business to provide a safe shelter, or hiding place, for the inhabitants in the event of a break-in, home invasion, tornado, or other threat. Safe rooms usually contain communications equipment, so that law enforcement authorities can be contacted. The safe room should be adequately anchored to the foundation to resist overturning

and uplift. The walls, ceiling, and door of the shelter should withstand wind pressure and resist

penetration by windborne objects or falling debris. The connections between all parts of the safe room should be strong enough to resist

separation by wind. Sections of either interior or exterior residence walls which are used as walls of the

safe room, should be separated from the structure of the residence so that damage to the residence will not cause damage to the safe room.

Light colored exterior walls

Light reflective floors and walls improve illumination inside buildings by reflecting light from both natural and artificial sources. White and light-reflective surfaces provide a background that reduces shadows from large machinery, stacked goods, and tall racks. Instead of adding more costly lighting units or increasing their intensity, creating a light surface is a passive means of improving illumination.

Energy Efficient Low-E windows and glassEnergy Efficient Low-E windows represent the latest technology in energy saving home improvement products and technology. Low-emittance (Low-E) coatings are extremely thin layers of metal, metal alloy, or metallic oxide covering the surface of the glass of a replacement window. These microscopic layers aid energy efficiency through a variety of means, like minimizing solar heat gain transmittance between sides of the window glass and pperforming as exceptional insulation assistants in both warm and cool months.

Metal/light colored roofing

Metal Roofing is Cool Roofing—Metal roofing is known as a "cool" roofing material because it transmits far less heat from the sun down into your attic than other materials such as asphalt shingle roofing. Mostly that's because metal roofs are thinner and can't retain as much heat, though the color you choose to paint your roof can also make a difference.Install Light Colored Roofing—With metal, a galvanized finish or white painted roof is ideal. Light colored roofing reflects, rather than absorbs, heat from the sun. The result is a cooler home and reduced cooling bills, especially if you have air conditioning ductwork in the attic.

Low flow and dual flush toilette

A dual-flush toilet is a variation of the flush toilet that uses two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water. It was invented by Australian inventor Bruce Thompson in 1980 while working for Caroma, and although the first generation dual-flush toilet caught on, a redesign in 1993 cut water usage in half when used properly. It has been proven to save up to 67% of water usage in most homes. Due to the more complex mechanism, it is more expensive than many other types of low-flow toilets.

Duct Sealing

In houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. In a typical house, however, about 20 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set.

High quality insulation and sealingA duct system that is well-designed and properly sealed can make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and safer.One of the easiest and most effective ways to lower your energy bills and increase the comfort of your home is to ensure that you have the proper amount of insulation and air sealing. These seemingly small steps can make a huge difference when it comes to the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system. As a result, you will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Proper sealing and insulating prevents air from leaking out of your home, trading places with either warmer or cooler air.

Carbon monoxide alarmCarbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Detectors may be based on a chemical reaction causing a color change, an electrochemical reaction that produces current to trigger an alarm, or a semiconductor sensor that changes its electrical resistance in the presence of CO. Most carbon monoxide detectors require a continuous power supply, so if the power cuts off then the alarm becomes ineffective. Models are available that offer back-up battery power. Carbon monoxide can harm you if you are exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide in a short period of time, or to lower levels of carbon monoxide over a long period of time, so there are different types of detectors depending on how the level of carbon monoxide is measured.

Large Roof OverhangsAppropriately sized roof overhangs have two major benefits: They keep unwanted, hot summer sun from heating a home, and they help protect the home from moisture damage caused by precipitation.While protecting the walls and foundation from excess moisture, roof overhangs over entries and windows are also convenient for the occupant during foul weather. This architectural feature that can also enhance a home's visual appeal.