Site Evaluation

Energy Efficient Construction
Environmental Design Consulting
Green Building and Development Techniques

Site Evaluation

It is critical to perform a proper site selection and evaluation prior to any construction work being done to determine the best building site for your new home as well as proper location and orientation of the home on that site so that it best utilizes the earths’ natural heating and cooling capabilities while preserving as much natural landscape as possible. Most homes are designed first and then built on site, but this should be just the opposite as the house should be designed for the site. This is not so much of an issue with tract built homes as entire wooded areas are leveled for cost efficiency with little or no concern for the environment, but should be done if building in an undisturbed site. Even if you already have already purchased a site, the structure can be designed to work with the pre-existing site to produce the most energy efficient home possible.

On undisturbed sites pre-existing landscaping can be utilized to provide shading, wind blocks and to direct wind currents in order to help keep the structure warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Existing landscaping also supports local species of birds and wildlife that have stabilized in the area, and it could take years to reestablish this natural order if disturbed. There again, some sites do require major clearing to support the new construction and or benefit from being re-landscaped. Bottom line is that every site presents new challenges when addressing these issues.

It is also critical to evaluate the site for low spots and natural drainage in order to keep moisture away from the new structure as water is an enemy to building components as well as energy efficiency.

Good site selection along with a good site plan is the first step in an ecologically responsible home building project.

Let us put our experience to work for you to create the ultimate living environment.