Scottsdale Green Home Buyer's Guide: Design

Interested in buying a Scottsdale green home? According to the Scottsdale Green Building Program, you need to take into consideration whether or not the home is designed for its site and climate. Here's what to look for:

Minimal Solar Heat Gain

• All exterior entrances are protected from direct summer sun by recessed or covered designe elements.
• The longest walls of the house face north and south (not always possible due to lot/street orientation and topography).
• Few windows are located on east and west sides of house. Most windows face north and south.
• Windows are shaded by overhangs, porches, awnings, trellises and/or trees (exterior shading devices are better than interior shading devices).
• The garage, storage, service areas, and/or infrequently used rooms are positioned on the west side as thermal buffers.

Maximum Natural Light and Ventilation

• Most rooms have windows on at least two sides for daylighting
• All of the windows are operable and positioned for cross ventilation
• High windows are operable, to vent out hot air during appropriate seasons and times of day and evening.