Finding home architects that specialize in energy efficient homes?

 Hi, I am looking into energy efficient homes, trying to absorb as much
as possible about the various technologies out there but am a bit
overwhelmed.  I have "interviewed" a few local (NC) architects and
*I* seem to know more about the technologies (not necessarily cutting
edge either) than they do (not encouraging).

Is there a way to find architects (like maybe an association of home
architects) that specialize in this field?

Any help here would be *really* appreciated!

Cheers

-Gaiko

  gaikokujinkyofusho@gmail.com wrote in


Interesting, I'm lookin at this now, might be of some use to you:

http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/sustainable_architecture.htm

A few from my Favorites list:

http://energy.sourceguides.com/businesses/byP/eeBuild/byB/serv/engineer/byN
/byName.shtml

http://photos.itsa.info/

http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/sustainable_architecture.htm
Also, the link at the top called "+140 categories" has additional links

http://www.lakeflato.com/

Google: sustainable architecture, green architecture, and the like.

HTH!

- Kris

 You've got to shop around.
But you have an advantage over the usual consumer: information.
Make a list of questions that can only be answered by architects that are
energy savvy. Phone interview them until you find 2 or 3 that are interested
in energy efficiency (they're the ones that are savvy, otherwise they
wouldn't care and wouldn't know).
You find an architect just like you find a contractor: interview until you
find a good fit (reputation, price, and personality). The best way is by
referral. See if there have been any awards given for energy efficient homes
and see who designed them. Call the companies who make the products and ask
who specs their stuff and who buys it. Ask your local building inspector if
any EE homes have been built in the area and get the name of the owners.
Research and legwork. Can't beat it.

 

If you manage to choose a technology or product line first, that
manufacturer may be able to give local installer references but if you are
unsure what you want and need help evaluating choices, you are on the right
track.  Try some of those "find a contractor" websites and see if they come
up with someone.

 i read a book years ago called "solar heating & cooling".  it was a
compilation of patents published to show ideas.  i browsed it to
generally get ideas.  ~ 25 years ago.

so downstream a few years i see a home that happens to have very good
passive solar elements.  so i bought it & added solar electric to help
the house a little bit.

passive elements - in southern califfornia - work very well so solar
electric can be used for the basics.

if the house doesn't really GET hot, you don't need AC so much.

the house runs east-west with oversize roof eves.  in the summer we
have about 3 to 4 foot of shade all around the house.  in the winter,
with the lower sun angle, we get solar heat.

plaster walls & ceiling help keep the home at a semi-steady state
temperature.  generally cool, toward ground temperature.

open the windows at night, cool down the house.  close them in the
morning, use good insulation.  oposite in the winter.

to help your question, try searching for this solar heating & cooling
book, online or in a library.  or key words like passive & active
solar.

you'll just need to do a long search in your area for architects that
know anything about solar - passive ideas as well as active ideas.

see ya

steve