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How to Incorporate Sustainable Design in ADUs

Aug 30, 2020 | 1 comment

Sustainability is becoming a key consideration for homeowners building accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Many clients express interest in adding sustainable design elements to their ADUs.

One of the most popular sustainable practices is installing greywater systems. These systems reuse wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry for irrigation and other non-potable uses. While adding a greywater system can increase costs, some clients choose this option based on their budget.

Sustainable design covers a broad range of practices, and no list can be exhaustive. Below are the key sustainable design strategies we consider when designing ADUs.

Site Optimization

The placement and orientation of a building, even a small ADU, require careful consideration from the start. Clients often have a preferred location or size for the ADU, but smaller lots may limit layout options. Larger lots provide more flexibility for solar and wind-oriented designs, improving energy efficiency. For instance, building on a south-facing slope can enhance passive solar heating.

Reducing Energy Usage

Reducing energy usage in an ADU is important for several reasons, aside from the obvious environmental benefits. An energy-efficient home can help to lower utility bills for the homeowner, which can be especially important for those who are renting out the ADU as a source of income. An ADU that is kept energy-efficient also tends to be more comfortable for occupants. These systems help to reduce drafts and control temperature and lighting, which, in an ADU, can provide a more comfortable living space that is better suited to the needs of the occupants. This can improve the overall quality of life for those living in the ADU and make it a more desirable place to live. Some strategies to keep your ADU as efficient as possible include:

  • Solar shading devices (designed window shading outside per climate/latitude, insulative curtains inside)
  • Thick walls/roofs with high insulation
  • Thermal mass (tile/concrete/stone to store and let off heat in cold months)
  • Light colored roofs/exterior materials to reflect sun rays
  • Efficient lighting and plumbing (standard for all projects in California, but you can always increase the efficiencies through product selection)
  • Photovoltaic (PV panels) systems (now required for California new construction projects)
  • Solar water heating
  • Cross-ventilation oriented to wind direction
  • Green walls/roofs or deciduous landscaping to reduce solar heat gain during summer and allow sunlight in during winter

Environmentally Conscious Products

There are multiple agencies that evaluate the environmental quality of materials. In larger projects the main resource is “LEED accreditation,” which is a standard that provides guidance on how to design, build, and maintain energy efficient and sustainable structures. This has endless possibilities and can vary in cost greatly. It can be as simple as choosing a recycled glass countertop or recycled flooring, on up to various levels of LEED certification.

Water Conservation

This varies in complication and cost and depends on the client’s preferred end result. Beyond the typical plumbing efficiency selection, conserving & protecting water can include:

  • Treating site runoff or Bioretention systems (required in some municipalities)
  • Greywater systems
  • Rainwater cisterns
  • Bioretention systems that treat water

Indoor Environment

We typically provide consideration of indoor quality in all homes, especially daylight maximization, appropriate ventilation, and walkway widths. To keep an indoor space sustainable, it’s crucial to use energy-efficient appliances and lighting, control temperature through proper insulation and ventilation, and maximize the use of natural light. Non-toxic cleaning products, paints and other materials promote air quality and health, while keeping the home safe and clean for all residents. Meanwhile, incorporating plants can improve air quality as well, as the light foliage constantly cleanses and renews the air. Low-flow water fixtures and sustainable flooring options such as bamboo or cork should be chosen, and furniture made of sustainable materials should be considered. By implementing these sustainable practices, the environmental impact of the indoor space can be reduced and create a healthier and more comfortable environment.

Aging in Place Design

Otherwise worded as “accessibility” or “ADA guidelines,” designing for elderly and disabled persons is essentially accommodating extra space for wheelchair/walker accessibility. Design can go as far as grab bar installations, lower counters, etc. The cost of this kind of design is that it increases the required space significantly (example: 3’ doorways instead of typical 30”, wheelchair space in front of appliances, etc.) and some features are slightly inconvenient when not being used for accessibility (like low counters).

Off-Grid Living

Some clients wish to build a fully off-grid ADU, which can be accomplished in some areas by using a septic system and an all-electric power source like solar. Off-grid living refers to living independently from the public utility grid, which supplies electricity, water, and other services. It means producing your own energy and water, and managing waste and sewage on your own. It can be achieved by using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, water harvesting, and composting toilets. This type of lifestyle requires self-sufficiency and self-reliance, and it’s not for everyone. It requires a significant investment in terms of time, money, and knowledge. Off-grid living can provide a sense of freedom and self-sufficiency, but it also comes with its own set of challenges such as remote location, weather dependence and maintenance. Read more about taking your home off-grid.

Overall, while incorporating sustainable design into an ADU can take extra time and budget, it is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of the occupants as well as the planet. Our team works closely with clients to evaluate each case and to provide the specific services they are looking to achieve in their ADU design.

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  1. Great suggestions on sustainable ADU design! Incorporating inexperienced substances and energy-efficient aspects now not solely advantages the surroundings but additionally enhances remedy and lowers costs.

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