Renovation of existing house stock is essential for a sustainable future. The North Carlton Green House proposes a model where ecology is the foremost concern. A series of similar houses layered with green space would link horizontally and vertically creating a healthy, green urban environment rich in bio-diversity. The house is green in more than one way, there are plants integrated into the building to create a living, breathing, sustainable space that is a delight to inhabit. . A rooftop garden provides an urban oasis perched above the surrounding rooftops nestled in the tree tops. The gardens are watered by automated subsurface irrigation systems to minimize water lost through evaporation. Passive heating is provided by a two storey north facing void that allows sun to penetrate deep into the house heating thermal mass of exposed concrete floor and ceiling. Passive cooling is provided by windows located to catch breezes cooled by the courtyard plants and pond while a two storey void facilitates natural heat removal through stack effect. Same could happen to your house, but you will have to shell approx $365,000 to go green.
Via: Contemporist
