OHOME’s 42 Sustainable Design Elements

Our designers and engineers all share a passion to create the greenest buildings possible and with uncompromised design. We strive to be the best in each of these categories. We also believe you shouldn’t pay for the things that nature gives us all in great abundance, namely light and heat from the sun, air, wind, and water. OHOMEs take optimal advantage of all of these energies and resources to reduce our environmental footprint.

 

Factor 10 DesignFactor 10
If everyone on earth continues to live as the majority do, ten additional planets will be needed. Factor 10 design is about using 1/10th the Earth’s resources, materials and energy while delivering the same quality of life.
Carbon FootprintCarbon Footprint
The average US home produces as much as 10 to 30 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. The OHOME is targeted to produce less than 1 metric ton per year.

RRR
Reduce the amount of materials in the building with resource-efficient engineering and no waste construction methods. Use of Recycled material wherever possible. Design for Re-Use and ease of repair.
LEED
OHOMES are designed and manufactured to obtain the highest LEED Ratings by the US Green Building Council.
Passive Cooling
If you let hot air escape up high, you can let cool air replace it down low and at night, this is the essence of passive cooling. It works by using the difference between day-time and night- time temperatures.
Passive Solar
The most effective form of solar heating is to capture sunlight through windows and to store that heat in our concrete floors. We do this while providing overhangs for shade to limit heat gain in the summer.
Double Glazing
Double glazing to keep excessive heat out is standard on all OHOMES.
Triple Glazing
Triple glazing is optional and is recommended for use in extreme climates.
Extreme Climate
Extreme climate versions of OHOMES are available for arctic or tropical living.
BioDiesel
Because of OHOMES extremely low energy consumption, it is economically viable to consider our carbon-neutral space and hot water heating package, powered by locally-sourced biodiesel.
Highly Insulated
OHOME insulation levels are almost double that required by the US building code and we offer a range of insulation levels for different climates.
Wind Energy
Wind energy is great when you have enough Wind. We recommend systems that are quiet, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Solar Electricity
Photovoltaic panels convert solar energy to electricity. This technology both reduces the carbon footprint and can spin the utility meter backward which can result in utility company credit.
Net Zero Energy
By producing energy and reducing consumption, it is possible to achieve a net zero electricity state, or even a total net zero energy bill.
Electric Car Charging
An electric car charging station is available and additional solar panels can be installed to provide free electricity for a car.
Off Grid
For remote sites, we can provide off-grid (battery) technology and extremely low-draw appliances to maximize energy conservation and reduce the capital cost of our solar electric packages.
Solar Hot Water
We offer rooftop panels to create hot water at no cost which provides as much as 70% of the annual hot water needs.
Heat Recovery Ventilation -HRV
Our heat recovery system exhausts stale moist air, and brings in fresh dry air while recycling the heat from the exhaust stream. This can recover as much as 70% of heating energy otherwise lost to ventilation. We can also recapture waste heat from the shower drains.
LED
Light Emitting Diode lighting is highly efficient, using a fraction of the energy of traditional lighting, and with a lifetime many times greater.
Constant Fresh Air
The heat recovery system delivers a constant stream of fresh filtered air without drafts.
Indoor Air QualityIndoor Air Quality
OHOME materials, adhesives and finishes are non-toxic and do not off-gas noxious chemicals.
Water SavingsWater Sense®/Water Savings
OHOMEs make use of water-saving technology in all bathrooms, the kitchen and in appliances. WaterSense® fixtures not only feature quality products and workmanship, they are designed to use 20 percent less water than the average new home. Living in a house that has WaterSense® label fixtures allows you to do more using less water and feel good about preserving water for future generations.
Collect Rainwater
We feature central rainwater collection for storage in optional rainwater cisterns that are protected from debris and insects.
Greywater System
All OHOMES offer greywater reuse systems to reduce demand on conventional water supplies and pressure on sewage treatment systems.
Eco Lumber
We care about the health of the forests. Wherever possible, we specify woods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Snow Load
Our roofs can be engineered for heavy snow loads and/or roof gardens. We can also handle special requests for higher loads.
Wind & Seismic
Our Wind and Seismic loads exceed the requirements of every State and Local code in the US. We can special requests for higher loads, or reduced loads fine-tuned for specific climates and budgets.
Rainscreen Technology
Durable buildings deflect rainwater from their walls and allow any surface moisture that accumulates to evaporate as the weather dries out. We can provide a 1” airspace for maximum durability.
CH2O
No Added Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is often used in plywood, particle board, glues and surface adhesives. It is a known carcinogen, so we simply do not use it anywhere!
PVC
No Polyvinylchloride. PVC or vinyl is a common soft plastic that has been banned from construction in Europe. PVC manufacturing is toxic and it does not recycle well. We use superior alternatives for windows, flooring, plumbing and siding.
Low VOCs
No VOCs when possible. Volatile Organic Compounds are common in solvents; they contribute to smog and respiratory illness. VOCs evaporate into the air when they are present in products, causing poor air quality that is harmful to our health. Natural VOCs exist everywhere but are not as harmful to our bodies. Since most paints, building materials and finishes can be purchased in VOC-free, low VOC or natural VOC alternatives, this is what we specify..
SIPFS
Our proprietary Structural Insulated Panel and Finish system ensures fast and easy assembly, lowered construction costs, optimum structural and thermal performance, high durability and low maintenance.
Slab Foundation
Slab on grade foundations provide storage of heat from our passive solar designs. These floors help to moderate spikes in summer temperatures and cold snaps in the winter. Concrete work is performed by local crews in advance of the OHOME delivery.
Raised Floor
Crawlspace foundation and floor systems are economical to build and are ideally suited to temporary installations where buildings are to be relocated, such as on leased land.
Home Automation
The OHOME has an optional digital control center device to monitor and manage all essential services.
Faster Construction
OHOMES are designed to be erected and completed in weeks, not months.
Healthy / Happy Houses
OHOMES are good for people and the environment.
Propane Power/Heat
Although Propane is a nonrenewable resource because it is created from fossil fuels, we realize that one component of sustainability is ensuring the needs of the community and societies are met. Therefore, this icon is offered because if propane is the only power source available for your site, we can utilize it for your power needs.
Composting Toilets
Composting toilets are far from being pit toilets! They utilize the latest technology to ensure that using your composting toilet is as pleasant as a regular toilet. You probably would have a hard time telling the difference between the two. Composting toilets are effective biological converters of human and household “waste,” saving money, water and energy for residents and the community. They start the regeneration of the Earth’s precious environment that is long overdue.
ENERGY STAR®
ENERGY STAR® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. There are more than 60 different ENERGY STAR® product categories, some examples of qualified products are: Appliances, heating and cooling equipment, consumer electronics, office equipment, insulation, windows, doors and lighting fixtures. These ENERGY STAR® qualified products offer consumer savings of as much as 65% relative to standard models.
Living Roof
Living roofs regulate the temperature of a building. They gather heat in the day and slowly release it at night, which moderates the temperature of the structure. The soil and plant matter has an additional cooling effect due to the natural evaporative process. The many benefits of living roofs can be accomplished with a very simple design consisting of several roofing layers.
Roof Garden
Our roofs can be engineered for heavy loads such as roof gardens. We will look at the needs for your roof garden and do the math. But, eventually, if it is not built to the task it will fail, so if you want a roof garden adding a higher load rated roof is a necessity.
Xeriscape
Xeriscaping means simply landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings. A landscape can be designed from the beginning to reduce the amount of resources needed to maintain it and the amount of waste it produces. Every spot around the globe has different resource conditions, such as available water, soil type, temperature ranges, and lighting. By designing a landscape in an appropriate manner, selecting compatible native plants, and installing efficient irrigation systems, a balance can be achieved that fits both the aesthetic needs of the landowner or client, and the resource availability of the region.
Passiv Haus®
The Passive House system® is a very well insulated, virtually airtight building that is primarily heated by passive solar and internal heat gains from occupants, cooking, bathing, electrical equipment, etc. The Passive House Standard is the highest building efficiency standard in the world, with the promise of reducing the energy consumption of buildings by up to 80% while providing superior comfort and air quality – all at minimized additional upfront cost. When coupled with renewable energy systems, such as solar, the Passive House system® puts true zero energy buildings within reach.
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