Planning

The Foundation

The foundation is much more than a slab of concrete. A properly designed and constructed foundation is the layout of the home. It is where the home and the Earth come together. 

A foundation must have the strength to hold up the home as well as keep the home attached to the Earth in hurricane conditions. The home is structurally engineered to meet the prescribed wind load for your region. The roof is tied to the foundation in such a way the roof will maintain integrity in those conditions. 

The Walls

Whether concrete block, wood frame or insulated concrete forms (ICF), the exterior walls not only serve to define the space of the home, they are critical elements in the prevention of air and moisture infiltration. Interior walls establish spaces inside the home while providing crucial infrastructure conduits (electricity and plumbing) throughout the home. 

The Roof

Whether you choose traditional shingles, a metal roof or built-up membrane (flat instead of pitched), the core purpose of the roof is to maintain a barrier between the living space and the weather outside. In order to achieve this goal, all roofing systems must perform to spec in the hottest, windiest, and wettest of conditions while achieving the architectural goals of attractiveness and functionality. 

Considerations

• Energy Efficiency
  • Insulation
  • HVAC equipment and design
  • ERV options 
  • Energy efficiency of doors and windows
  • Solar energy options 
• Environmental Sensitivity
  • Indoor air quality
    • Fresh air exchange rates
    • Low VOC products
    • Control of unwanted air and moisture infiltration
• Orientation of home on building lot
  • Maximize opportunities for reduced energy requirements
    • Working with existing trees and other plant materials
    • Assessing potential for minimizing after-build landscaping