Hill Country Ecobuilders

Orientation

Orientation refers to the direction that a building points. Ideally, the long axis of the house should point E-W so that the long side of the house faces N and S. This configuration, combined with proper window selection and placement, allows the house to maximize solar heating in the winter and minimize solar heat gain in the summer. Roofs facing south receive direct sunlight all year round. A south facing roof also provides the optimal orientation for maximizing solar panel efficiency.

Large overhangs

2′ or larger overhangs offer shading during the summer when the sun runs a high angle axis. Proper window placement and sizing allows for passive solar heating during the winter months when the sun follows a lower path.

Framing

We follow advanced framing techniques, utilizing 2×6″ studs spaced at 24″ centers. 2×6′s offer the advantage of more insulation for efficiency and sound deadening from outside noises. Framing on 24″ centers saves trees and allows for more insulation vs unnecessary wood which has poor insulating properties.

Metal roofs

The best performing and longest lasting roof for our region is a metal roof. A galvalume, snap lock style roof will last the life of the home and requires zero maintenance. The standing seams snap over each other, hiding the screws which fasten the metal to the roof deck. It’s reflective properties act as a radiant barrier to block the sun’s heat from entering the home. Also, a standing seam metal roof is the perfect surface to mount Uni-Solar PV modules and it performs better for rainwater harvesting than an asphalt roof.

Spray foam insulation

We utilize spray foam insulation in every home we build. Spray foam insulation creates an airtight barrier around the home, giving it the same properties as a cooler. In this unvented attic scenario, the HVAC equipment which resides in the attic, is in a conditioned space +/- 15 degrees from the living area. This results in much less cooling/heat loss through the ducting.

---