A House Design for Energy Survival

Abstract

Housing trends in recent years have featured the “family room,” the “great room” and the “gathering room.” We are proposing a new concept – the “survival zone.” Planning principles needed for designing a survival space will be enumerated and a prototype built by the authors will be described. This idea is being suggested as a partial solution to two types of energy problems: Type 1. Temporary electrical “blackouts” or “brownouts” due to excessive consumer demand on available power. The survival zone is a space in which a family could live comfortably for a few days without electricity even in extremely cold weather; Type 2. The long-term need to conserve energy resources. For non-emergency daily living, the survival zone is designed to require a minimal amount of energy for heating and cooling. On a long-range basis this is an alternative to conservative thermostat settings.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cosby S. Rogers

Cosby S. Rogers, is Assistant Professor in the College of Home Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061

Robert L. Rogers

Robert L. Rogers, is an architect and partner in the firm of Gregory and Rogers, Architects, Blacksburg, Virginia.