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SolarTerra LLC

For information about sustainable building technologies, systems and principles, please contact us at info@solarterra.com

SolarTerra LLC will design your home to satisfy your personal criteria, such as energy-efficiency, comfort, healthy interior, durability, outdoor spaces, low maintenance, public and private spaces, sustainability, lifestyle, etc. We use our passive solar and off-grid design expertise coupled with effective construction management practices to design custom homes that are durable, energy efficient, healthy and "green". SolarTerra LLC uses an "integrated systems" approach throughout the design and construction processes to ensure multiple inter-dependent design elements, materials and systems are incorporated effectively and efficiently.

SolarTerra LLC's architectural design services, including the integration of sustainable building materials and systems, are tailored to meet our client's off-grid or conventionally sited home's requirements. SolarTerra LLC provides a Home & Systems Manual with each project describing the various components/systems of the home, as well as how to live in it and maintain the home "as a system" throughout the years.

Architectural Design Services

• Design a creative, energy and resource-efficient* custom home tailored to our client's unique requirements
• Provide a complete architectural plan set for county approval and building permit issuance
• Provide a materials list of the home's major construction and system components
• Stay engaged with our client's project throughout the construction phases
• Provide a comprehensive "Home & Systems Manual" when the home is completed, with a walk-through on how to maintain the home and its systems
• Provide guidance for LEED certification, Energy Star "Home Energy Rating System" qualification and/or local county or community "Sustainable Building" certification, if desired

*Full, integrated architectural design services for off-grid and conventionally sited homes incorporating:

Passive Solar Design for Cooling and Heating: site orientation, room layout, glazing sizing and placement, thermal mass sizing and placement, insulation recommendations, ventilation mechanics, backup HVAC sizing

Solar Electric System: rebates, tax credits, array sizing, tie into grid, battery bank sizing (if required), placement and installation requirements, contractor selection

Solar Hot Water System: rebates, tax credits, tank sizing, type selection, collector sizing, placement and installation requirements, contractor selection

Alternative Wall and Roof Systems: Selection of appropriate material for project requirements (straw bale, rammed earth, Rastra Block, E-Crete, etc), installation considerations, product/supplier selection, contractor selection

Rainwater Catchment System: roof and tank sizing, design, water purification design/systems, contractor selection

Gray Water System: code requirements, plumbing design, contractor selection

Alternative Septic Systems and Compost Toilets: sizing, type selection, placement and installation requirements, product selection

Hypo-allergenic Materials, Finishes and Systems: OSB, insulation, floor coverings, paints, lacquers, sealers, adhesives, purification systems, air-exchange systems, sealed vacuum systems

Architects and designers are constantly challenged by their clients to incorporate new and healthier technologies and lower life-cycle costs into their projects. In addition, many people are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of home construction and are looking for more eco-friendly building materials and systems. Some local governments are requiring that their new buildings and remodels are "certified" to local, regional or national certifications (such as LEED or Energy Star).

These challenges are occurring in an industry with lagging "green building" design and system integration expertise, unfamiliar product options and local building regulations that are constantly changing and evolving. SolarTerra LLC's design expertise matches appropriate sustainable products and systems to a client's requirements, and works with building inspectors that are sometimes unfamiliar with alternative materials and systems to educate and obtain permits.

Please contact us for more information about our services and rates.