zHome

While taking a tour of zHome I learned so much on how we can use design in a more environmentally friendly way. The philosophy of the development of zHome affects my thinking of designing for a residential area because it has shown me many different ways on how we can go green even with smaller and simpler changes around residents. By changing the types of paints used can help with fewer toxins inside or even using fiber glass for frames on windows. The best ideas that zHome provides us with is using a solar panel system to save energy, also a rain water system was added to put in use the natural water from outside. Another important idea would be to use all recycled contents for flooring, counters, etc. Also, there is no grass in this location because it is bad for the environment and needs to be irrigated, the use of low maintenance landscape makes area very appealing and easy to handle. zHome added a courtyard between all the apartments to feel more like a community to all the residence. Some aspects of human interactions with the built space to be considered are they way people move around the space, if they are also involved in recycling, what can affect the materials longevity like cleaning supplies or any type of food, and if the resident will bring anything else in that might jeopardize the idea of keeping less toxins out.