The layout, landscape, insulation, solar orientation, and wind direction were among the factors to be considered in having a green design.
Green design not only promotes health and environment but economics too, according to architect Herman B. Cabrera of Herman B. Cabrera & Associates.
Going green not only helps in the campaign to address global warming but also makes a lot of savings especially on electric bills, Cabrera added.
“Children, pregnant women, and old people will also benefit living in a green designed-house,” Cabrera said, adding they will not be affected by the heat absorbed and further transmitted by concrete walls and roofs without insulation.
A green design goes along way when teamed up with solar power heater or solar power energy, he said.
“I saved a lot,” Cabrera said after he installed solar water heater and solar power energy in his house two years ago.
He said he is using a 6-volt LED light in his house during night time.
Cabrera said he will install a 100-watt solar panel with 24-volt output in the coming days.
There is initial investment but will provide savings in the coming days, Cabrera said.
For a green design layout, Cabrera suggests to always put windows or terrace on the north-northeast side of the house to maximize the coming winds from the eastern side.
Don’t put up barbeque grill/station on this side because winds will blow the smoke towards the house, he said.
Double-pane glass panels as well as reflective films should be installed to put the heat away from the glass, he said.
Cabrera added on the western side of the house, where the sun sets in, consider the landscape like planting trees to block off the western exposure.
Cabrera said shades from the trees also provide cooler air into the house for nighttime.
A Styrofoam that is shaped-like hollow blocks are used for insulation, together with steel bars and cement plastering, Cabrera said.
The sunlight or heat will be prevented from coming in, compared to concrete walls without insulation that will absorb heat, Cabrera explained.
For roofing, install reflective insulation like using elastomeric paint, he added.
“Educating the people especially the children should be adopted in school and communities,” Cabrera said, in order to have “change in attitude towards going green.”
Engr. Jason Jang, of Family Outlet on Middle Road, echoed the same suggestion, stressing that he makes it sure that a buyer fully understands first the concept of solar water heater and solar power energy.
Since he started selling solar water heaters three years ago, Jang said none of his buyers came back and complained.
“I explained very well until the customer fully understands,” Jang said.
Jang said the total number of household matters in buying a solar water heater and how many kilowatt and hours a family consumes should be considered for solar power energy.
He also explained that solar water heater should be closely monitored for build-up of scales on the solar tube that may block water supply.
A well-maintained solar water heater will last from 10 to 20 years, Jang said, adding electric bills will also be saved.
The same goes for well-maintained panels for solar power energy that may stay for 35 years, Jang said.
Cabrera and Jang both underscored the government’s assistance in promoting and adopting green design, solar water heater and solar power energy so that more people especially children will be educated towards protecting and preserving the environment.
Cabrera may be contacted at 670-2341778, e-mail [email protected], with office located at Chichirica Ave., Garapan Village.
Family Outlet may be contacted at 670-2338986, e-mail [email protected], with office located on Middle Road, Chalan Lau Lau.
Green House Supply may be contacted at 670-2355600, e-mail [email protected], with office located at San Jose.
