window-design / Green Building & Sustainable Home Renovation Information & Advice

Homes designed for passive heating and cooling offer noticeably lower utility bills, not to mention increased comfort and security during power outages. In our humble opinion, the first thought for any home being designed or built, should be - which way is south and how do I use that knowledge to passively reduce the f...

How to install windows correctly to avoid air or water leaks  The Edelweiss LEED Platinum V4 Demo House has been oriented towards the south to increase passive heat gain and reduce energy demand during operation. Choosing higher quality windows on all sides of your home will mean reduced heat loss over a poorer qualit...

  Choosing window mechanisms: a homeowner's and pro's guide Windows are a critical component of any building envelope, affecting everything from energy efficiency and air quality to security and comfort. When choosing windows for a new build or a renovation, the mechanism of operation is one of the most important decis...

Material choices for window frames: Window frames can be made from a variety of materials offering different levels of performance and insulation values. Air in the cavities between panes expands as it heats up and contracts as it cools, which puts pressure on the seals and frames. When we speak of durable and sturdy w...

Homes heated by the sun's free heat! Passive Solar Houses are aptly named because there are no wires, panels or batteries and nothing to break down. It's just about design, and it isn't a new concept. Humans around the globe have been incorporating passive solar design features into their homes for thousands of years. ...

Bird films on windows: a homeowner's & pro's guide to protecting our feathered friends Millions of birds die annually due to window collisions, as they cannot perceive clear or reflective glass as a solid barrier. For homeowners and building professionals, applying specialized bird-safe window films is one of the m...

Design basics for flexible housing: Depending on the stage you are at in your life, you might have kids, they might be gone or you might want to have some in the future. Design floor plans that work for you right now but can be easily adapted to accommodate different family dynamics in the future. Flexible housing star...

Water and moisture wreak havoc on homes, affecting function, durability and our health. Given that kitchens and bathrooms are the main source of humidity, we need to put extra thought into designing these rooms so they consume less, last longer, and help us maintain healthier homes. Durable water resistant surfaces wil...

The  principles of green building: High performance, energy efficient homes may include features like geothermal heating, wind power and solar panels, but these are not the defining features of green living. They come in second, and some you can even do without. A green home starts with being well-designed, well-insula...

Best practices for attached garages: a homeowner's & pro's guide Designing an attached garage requires a sophisticated approach to building science to ensure that convenience does not compromise indoor air quality or thermal performance. Because these structures share a common wall and often a ceiling with the prim...

The U.S. Green Building Council and the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning released a landmark report Feb. 29 that describes how green buildings advance resiliency in disasters. “Green Building and Climate Resilience: Understanding Impacts and Preparing for Changing Conditions” ...