Understanding High-Performance Natural Building in Construction
High-performance natural building is an innovative approach to construction that prioritizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant health. This design philosophy combines traditional building techniques with modern technology and materials to create structures that are not only environmentally responsible but also enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants.
What is High-Performance Design?
At its core, high-performance design focuses on buildings that surpass standard construction practices in energy efficiency, durability, and indoor air quality. This approach shares principles with Passive House design, which emphasizes rigorous energy efficiency standards through airtight construction, superior insulation, and optimized ventilation systems. High-performance buildings, including those inspired by Passive House principles, are often characterized by the following features:
Superior Insulation: High-performance buildings utilize advanced insulation materials to minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. This results in a stable indoor climate and reduced energy consumption.
Thermal Bridge Reduction: Designing transitions between walls, roofs and foundations, as well as framing details around windows and doors, to ensure that the insulation layer is continuous around the building is a critical component to reducing energy loads while also reducing condensation risk in the building against cold surfaces.
High Performance Windows: Windows that are optimized to have a low U-value to reduce unwanted energy loss or gain are an important feature of a high performance home. This is achieved through the use of three panes of glass, specialty coatings on the glass, gas-filled spaces between the panes, and insulated window frames. Selecting units with a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient to either block or allow solar heat entering the building depending on the orientation is another important feature to support passive solar heating and cooling strategies.
Air Tightness: These structures are designed to be airtight, preventing drafts and unwanted air infiltration. This helps maintain consistent temperatures and lowers heating and cooling costs. This also reduces moisture infiltration into building assemblies, protecting building durability and reducing mold risk.
Related: See our blog on indicators of mold & health risks in your home
Energy Generation: Many high-performance buildings incorporate renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, to produce energy on-site. This can lead to net-zero energy usage, where the building produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.
Sustainable Materials: Natural and sustainable building materials are not always included in high-performance construction, but at New Frameworks, we believe they are essential to achieving true high-performance design. Our innovative approach minimizes environmental impact while creating healthier indoor spaces by eliminating harmful chemicals found in conventional materials, such as plastic foams and toxic finishes often used in high-performance construction. For us, high performance means building sustainably and responsibly, prioritizing the well-being of both the planet and the people who live in our structures.
Average Pricing in the Northeast
In the Northeast, the costs of high-performance natural building can vary based on location, materials, and design complexity. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $550 to $650 per square foot for custom, high-performance homes. This pricing reflects the use of superior materials and techniques that contribute to energy savings and long-term benefits. While the upfront costs for high-performance construction may be higher than conventional construction, many homeowners find that the long-term savings on energy bills and maintenance costs make high-performance design a wise investment. To save on custom design costs, those interested in high performance homes can explore predesigned, modular homes like our Casitas, which range in price from $350-$550 per square foot.
Application of natural, non-toxic lime plaster interior wall finish.
Benefits of High-Performance Natural Building
Exceptional Energy Efficiency: High-performance homes significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills. By utilizing advanced insulation and airtight construction techniques, these homes can achieve energy savings of 50-90% compared to homes built to code minimum standards.
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Natural, non-toxic materials, warm and dry building enclosures, and effective ventilation systems promote healthier indoor environments. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Increased Comfort: Consistent temperatures and reduced drafts make high-performance homes more comfortable year-round. Homeowners can enjoy a stable indoor climate without the extremes often associated with traditional homes.
Durability and Resilience: High-performance natural buildings are designed to withstand the elements and effectively manage moisture, reducing the need for repairs and maintenance over time. This longevity contributes to the overall sustainability of the structure.
Sustainability: High-performance natural building goes beyond simply reducing a home’s operational energy use—it addresses the embodied carbon of materials, which accounts for the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal. By prioritizing renewable resources like wood and straw, which naturally sequester carbon during their growth, and using materials derived from regenerative agricultural practices, this approach not only minimizes emissions but also actively contributes to carbon storage. Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on rebuilding soil health and increasing biodiversity, further supports this goal by capturing more carbon in the soil and producing sustainable building materials. By reducing waste, avoiding synthetic materials, and integrating renewable resources, high-performance natural building significantly lowers the overall carbon footprint, making it an environmentally responsible choice for homeowners who want to contribute to a healthier planet.
Related: See our blog on our Carbon-Storing Straw Bale Panels
Resale Value: As demand for sustainable living increases, high-performance homes can command higher resale prices. Many buyers are willing to pay a premium for energy-efficient, durable, environmentally friendly, and health-conscious properties.
A fully-finished Terra 600 SF Casita in Burlington, VT.
Integrating High-Performance Design with New Frameworks
New Frameworks embraces the principles of high-performance natural building in its product offerings, particularly with Straw Structural Insulated Panels (S-SIPs) and predesign home and ADU kits called Casitas.
S-SIPs: Our S-SIPs are designed to provide exceptional insulation and airtightness, ensuring that your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By utilizing renewable straw, these panels not only improve energy efficiency but also store carbon, contributing to a healthier planet.
Casitas: These prefab modular homes are crafted with a focus on sustainability and high-performance design. The use of non-toxic materials and efficient building techniques ensures a comfortable, healthy living environment that aligns with the values of eco- and health-conscious homeowners.
By integrating high-performance design into our product offerings, New Frameworks helps homeowners create living spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and health-promoting. Whether you’re building a new home or considering a renovation, exploring high-performance natural building could be your key to a healthier, more energy-efficient future.
