More and more people are embracing sustainable design and building for their homes, renovations, and additions. However, there are still misconceptions out there about green building and living in efficient and sustainable houses.
Elizabeth DiSalvo, founder and principal at Trillium Architects has shared some of those misconceptions and factual responses, highlighting the general market appeal of these amazing homes. As you’ll learn here, the future of sustainable homes is now!
Misconception 1: ‘Green homes look different.’
Perhaps surprisingly, most of our homes look indistinguishable as Green Homes! Aesthetics are not tied to energy efficiency construction methods. We could make a classic colonial into a Passive House. And we have! Have a look at our portfolio. Each house on our website is a true green home.
Misconception 2: ‘I’ll have trouble with resale.’
People love our houses so much that it’s a rare event that someone builds one and then sells it. In the last 200 houses we have designed, for example, this has only happened three times. In each case there was a bidding war and the house sold within weeks for above asking price. People are thrilled at the idea of living in a healthy environment with almost zero monthly operational and upkeep costs. What’s not to love?
Misconception 3: ‘I’m not sure everything will work.’
We build what we like to call the Teslas of houses. We may use the newest technologies, but all of the technologies we use have actually been in testing and use for years, if not decades. We create houses that are extremely well built, and like an electric vehicle, there is generally nothing to do to keep the house humming along. Just sit back and enjoy!
Misconception 4: ‘I’m afraid of the unknown.’
Even though green homes are not as common as traditionally built, the concepts are the same: Provide shelter, design for user friendliness and beauty, insulate, heat and cool. Sometimes the unknown turns out to be a truly welcome change. We start with beautiful houses that work, and consciously integrate healthy sustainable materials, extra insulation and higher efficiency heating and cooling systems to bring you a healthy, quiet, uncommonly comfortable and more long-lasting product.
Misconception 5: ‘Building Green costs SO much more.’
This is a classic myth. Sustainable, healthy and energy efficient homes generally cost about 2% more to build than a standard code compliant house. Yes, we spend more on windows and insulation, but we spend less on HVAC equipment. In the end, most clients find the cost difference negligible, especially when all of their utility bills add up to something like $18/ month.
Learn more facts about green homes
Interested in learning more? Continue this discussion with Trillium Architects and they can share their extensive knowledge in LEED, Net Zero and Passive Houses and architectural design experience. Please visit their website to learn more: trilliumarchitects.com
About Elizabeth DiSalvo
Elizabeth DiSalvo, CVO is the founder and principal architect at Trillium Architects. A Registered Architect since 1993, she currently holds registration in New York and Connecticut. She is a member of the AIA, NESEA, CTPH, PHNY, and the USGBC, and has been on the Board of Directors of the CT Green Building Council. Elizabeth is called upon to educate the public and the building industry on prioritizing green residential construction.
About Trillium Architects
Trillium Architects, celebrating their 20th year, are experts in bringing you healthy, organic, sustainable, green homes. A leader in the industry, this boutique firm of a dozen architects produces cutting edge, bespoke residences throughout Fairfield, Litchfield and Westchester Counties.
