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energy efficient construction

Tropical Solar Shading Strategies

September 30, 2021 By admin19

Tropical Solar Shading Strategies

Attention to detail, innovative techniques, and stellar communication are essential when it comes to constructing your tropical home. One important detail to consider and discuss with your Contractor, especially on Roatan, is how to keep the interior of your home at a comfortable ambient temperature without straining your AC unit. Incorporating these solar strategies into your floor plan will not only reduce your utility costs, but will also improve the interior living space for all. 

What Is Solar Shading?

Solar shading strategies include elements, devices, and systems that are designed to reduce heat from the sun entering a building. Today’s homes often include wide and high windows, encouraging as much natural light to enter the room as possible. And we love that! However, the heat from the sun can easily pass through the glass, and has a hard time getting back out. This heat remains in the room, often being absorbed by other elements such as concrete walls, before being radiated back into the room. Talk about turning up the heat! This increase in temperature not only creates an uncomfortable space, but also increases the load on your air conditioning unit. This is why an effective solar shading strategy is so important!

Solar Shading Strategies

Some solar shading strategies we recommend are:

  • Overhangs, Verandas, or Covered Patios: Large roof overhangs, verandas, or covered patios can all serve to protect walls and window openings from direct sunlight. This is effective on the north and south-facing walls because of the sun’s angle.
  • Horizontal Window Shading: Horizontal window shading devices can take many forms, and are often found in commercial applications. In traditional tropical homes, bell-shaped hoods were often used as a form of rain protection and solar shading. Today, a deeply recessed window or raised bands could be a more contemporary and aesthetically pleasing method.
  • Shutters And Screens: Shutters and screens are excellent for allowing natural ventilation as well as flexibility. For modern homes, slatted and louvred sliding or bi-fold options are used. These shutters can be open completely when the sun is not intruding into your interior, or can be closed when the sun has made its debut without sacrificing air flow.
  • Trees And Vegetation: Trees, vines and other vegetation are a great way to protect your home from solar heat gain. They reduce the glare from entering your home and provide cooler areas outside. All this while permitting natural breezes to flow through!

Tips For Energy Efficient Home Design

May 31, 2021 By admin19

Tips For Energy Efficient Home Design

When you move to Roatan, you will be surrounded by lush foliage and rare wild/marine life. Suddenly, you will become more aware of Earth’s limited resources, and how your consumption truly can make a difference in the immediate surroundings. One way to fully enjoy the luxuries of home while making a small impact on the environment is through building an energy efficient home. Not only does this come along with long term savings, but also contributes to less consumption and waste of resources. Making an overall minimum impact on Roatan’s delicate ecosystem!

Directional Design

The positioning of your home is critical to maximizing energy output. If your home is positioned in a way that absorbs maximum sunlight, or doesn’t allow for natural air flow, you will find yourself spending a lot on cooling costs.

Landscaping

Landscaping is a great way to enhance the natural environment, as well as save energy. Plant trees that will provide the necessary shade to keep your home cool, as well as prevent the soil from absorbing too much sun. This will lower cooling costs as well as water consumption.

Green Tip: Include an area for compost on your property!
Composting provides a natural alternative to chemical shedding fertilizers which can harm the reef. This will also contribute to less unnecessary trash being accumulated on the island.

Lighting

Make the most of natural lighting in your space to reduce energy costs. In areas that do require lighting, opt for an LED Bulb. LED lighting can reduce energy use between 40 and 80%.

Consider Solar Power

The ability to supplement your hot water and AC costs with a solar system ends up paying for itself. You can even store the excess power to use when there is an issue with the main power source.

Don’t Forget The Top And The Bottom!

Concrete or stone floors can help keep your home naturally cooler. And don’t neglect which material you choose to use for a roof! Metal roofs are a wonderful option for reflecting heat and withstanding Roatan’s salty air.

We are here to help you build your dream home – which both fulfills your desires and contributes to the conservation of Roatan’s natural beauty. Contact Victor today to discuss making those dreams an energy efficient reality. Call +504- 9660-1679 or victor@treasureislandconstruction.com.

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