Broyhill Wiles Log and Timber Frame Builders

For centuries, humans have influenced their environment. Aside from the positive interactions and influences, humans have had a profound negative impact on the environment, which has become more evident to the public in recent years.  Although the population will continue to rise at a staggering rate and housing will be at high demand, we can reduce our negative impact on the environment by implementing green building principles into our construction.   

Broyhill Wiles Building specializes in green building, following principles that focus upon resource efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. In the first stages of building, designs and floorplans are optimized.  When available, recycled and salvaged materials are used, and renewable resources are selected.  A "whole systems" approach to implement energy efficiency in a house is employed.  The benefits of using renewable energy are compounded by ensuring quality air and duct sealing and selecting high performance windows. Drought resistant landscaping, efficient indoor and outdoor water delivery systems, and effective filtration optimizing healthy indoor air are additional issues we address during the green building process.

We should always be aware of our impact on the environment and strive to reduce the negative effects in as many ways as possible.  In addition to believing in the philosophy of green building, there are practical  benefits to green home owners.  Reducing the cost of energy and water utilities, even temperatures and better humidity control, less maintenance and enhanced durability are among these benefits.

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Article Published in Timber Home Living Magazine

Perhaps it’s the symmetry of the wood or the timeless craftsmanship, but many log and timber frame owners say their homes offer a powerful connection to nature.  Building a green home is a priority for most environmentally concious people.  It almost feels like a responsibility—like building green is doing the right thing.  Indeed, many custom-home builders report that their customers have begun to ask for ways to increase efficiencies in their log and timber frame homes.

Thanks to a revolution in new building materials and energy-efficient products, all new homes today are twice as energy-efficient as they were 30 years ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). And veteran log and timber framers say it’s relatively easy to make a new home green. Here are some suggestions from the pros.

1.       Orient your home with solar power in mind. Your home’s position on your property can help or hinder energy consumption. Ideally, your site will have enough space to position the home so it can take advantage of the seasons as well as daily cycles.

2.       Consider reclaimed timbers. They are harvested from old factories, barns, bridges and piers that were built hundreds of years ago. Or try reclaimed old-growth timbers that have been dredged from rivers and lakes near long-closed sawmills.

3.       Opt for engineered wood. These materials are manufactured from smaller, faster-growing tree species and help reduce the use of older, mature trees in the construction industry by more than 60 percent.

4.       Wrap your frame in insulation. That means using structural insulated panels (SIPs) made with environmentally safe materials. The foam-core insulation is recyclable, has zero vapor permeability and no physical degradation over time.

5.       Buy smart windows and doors. Choosing energy-efficient windows and exterior doors will cut down on energy loss. Compare products by their U-value ratings. The lower the U-value, the more efficient the window or door.

6.       Ensure fresh air. To let your home breathe properly, use an air-to-air exchanger. These systems draw in fresh air and eject stale air, and can recover as much as 70 to 80 percent of the heat or cooling of your inside air.

7.       Shoot for Energy Star status. Have your home built to Energy Star guidelines, by hiring builders who adhere to these standards (go to www.energystar.gov for a listing).

8.       Go tankless for hot water. These water heaters produce hot water on demand, cutting down on the energy loss and reducing water consumption.

9.       Choose appliances wisely. When buying an appliance, remember that it has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy or water it uses. Energy Star-rated appliances can save you anywhere from 10 to 50 percent on your energy bill.