Following reactions to my prior question "Is there a comparative study of self-sustained and ecological housing?", which suggest there is no ready-made comprehensive comparative study of self-sufficient and ecologically sustainable architecture models, I probably will need to define a framework in which I could decide what model responds best to my needs and circumstances.
Keeping in mind I would like to find a model that will:
- strive to use local resources rather than imports,
- keep the need for energy, combustible and water to a bare minimum,
- produce the required energy to make the home self-sufficient,
- integrate within the local ecosystem while causing the least damage to it,
- require the least maintenance possible and be sustainable,
- require the least labour specialisation for its construction,
- have the capacity to produce some food indoors,
- be as cheap as possible,
- be as safe as possible,
and ignoring:
- legal, administrative or cultural restrictions,
what various considerations should I make when choosing the architectural and infrastructural model?
For instance I can already tell one should find out what climatic conditions the building would be in. Another would be to find out what resources are available locally, such as soil, recyclable materials (e.g. tyres for an earthship), etc. Air circulation, humidity, comfort, light have to be take in consideration too.
What I expect from the answers, is enough information to conceive a diagram that will help anyone who is thinking about building a "green home" to find out what model suits their needs and circumstances. And as reactions already explained in the previous question, there are some aspects that will balance each other out. For instance obviously, the price of the construction will be directly affected by the components of the house. But more importantly, I have understood earth shelters are more prone to lack of ventilation and humidity, and the design needs to be compensated by some other component. These kinds of interdependences causing pro's and con's to emerge, are precisely what I would like any one using this diagram to be able to find out when going through the decision process.
n.b. It might be appropriate to create a wiki answer.
