From countertops made of recycled paper to bamboo floors, learn from one couple who made their eco-friendly dream house.
"Going green often requires alternative materials for home construction. The Smiths used insulated concrete panels for the walls. These panels help regulate internal temperature so less energy is used for heating and cooling. Architects also adapted a floor system modeled after a design dating back to the Romans, according to Farr Associates. A series of interconnected ducts is sandwiched between pre-cast concrete panels on the bottom, and a layer of poured concrete on top. Warm or cool air is circulated through these ducts to provide more efficient temperature regulation."
"Good green design also incorporates on-site 'materials' -- natural features that can improve the house."
FULL STORY: Scenes of green
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.
Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)