pgh gallery — the Pretty Good House

Economics

Economics

Key to the PGH approach is balancing expenditures and gains. Where other programs use specific energy-use targets or other criteria, and the building code establishes a baseline (“the worst house you can legally build”), a PGH goes above code until it stops making financial sense.

The Team Approach

The Team Approach

Choosing the right team members can make a big difference on project going smoothly.

Climate - Where are you?

Climate - Where are you?

Where you live plays an important part in the design of a PGH.

Design

Design

Design is much more than floor plans and making pretty things. The whole process of construction is designed as well.

The Building Shell - Envelope basics

The Building Shell - Envelope basics

Every house needs to keep rain and cold (or hot) air out, and conditioned air inside. In a Pretty Good House it’s easiest and best to identify dedicated control layers

Envelope Details

Envelope Details

Basic physics. This is where the rubber meets the road. A PGH builder or architect is also something of a science geek.

Windows and Doors

Windows and Doors

Even the best windows and doors on the market perform much worse than even an average wall, but they can also allow solar energy into the house, and of course light and views are important. Selection of specific brands and models of windows and doors comes into the conversation very early in the process.

Materials

Materials

Local is good. While we can get materials from nearly anywhere on earth, buying locally supports the local economy, typically keeps the carbon footprint smaller, and makes a house a product of its environment instead of a cookie-cutter house that could be anywhere.

Mechanical Systems

Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems include the equipment needed to heat, cool and control humidity in a house, and also the plumbing system. The primary reason for mechanical systems is occupant comfort. A PGH allows mechanicals to be smaller, less expensive and generally simpler.

Electrical and Lighting

Electrical and Lighting

Lighting can be divided into two categories: natural and artificial. Daylighting, using windows and other glazing, reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day. Wiring in a PGH must include a well thought out strategy for sealing all penetrations in the building shell.

Verification

Verification

There are many ways to check your results. Third party verification systems such as Energy Star or Passive house may influence bank financing but are not the focus of a Pretty Good House.

Owner / Occupant

Owner / Occupant

Occupants can be creative in the ways they break the rules so it’s important for them to be educated on how to operate their Pretty Good home.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The Team Approach

Climate - Where are you?

The Building Shell - Envelope basics

Envelope Details

Windows and Doors

Mechanical Systems

Electrical and Lighting

Owner / Occupant