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Green Revival Historic Homes Tour Fact Sheet
Sustainable Features of Historic Design
- Rainwater Harvesting
- While most modern rainwater harvesting systems are built for strictly outdoor use, historic cisterns fulfilled all the water needs of the household.
- Ventilation
- In the absence of modern HVAC units, historic buildings had countless design features that directed air movement for increased comfort. This included larger rooms with higher ceilings and walk-through windows. Porches were also widely used as another room, utilizing the outdoor breezes and supplying shade.
- Daylighting
- In addition to their ventilation benefits, interior windows and transoms allowed “borrowed” light to travel across rooms, limiting the need for additional light sources.
- Green Materials
- In modern terms, historic construction materials were both locally and organically produced.
- Landscaping
- Historic paths, including roads and walkways, were formed using permeable materials, such as dirt, brick, and clay, which allowed water to drain easily into the ground.
- Plantings
- Climate appropriate plants were selected for each site so as to make optimal use of seasonal shading and produce with little or no extra water requirements.
- Wind Power
- Many areas relied heavily on windmills to generate power for farms and mills.
- Disaster Preparedness
- Many features of historic houses were designed to limit the impact of storms. For instance, the tradition of raising houses onto piers on Galveston is due in large part to early efforts in escaping flood damage.
- Low Toxicity
- The lack of plastics used in historic construction spared them from one of the most prevalent sources of toxic off-gassing in modern houses.
- Reuse and Recycling
- Historic builders often salvaged and reused brick, stone, and wood. Galveston also has a history of moving houses that dates back to the mid-19th century.
- Floor Plans
- Designers and contractors considered the building’s orientation and the location of prevailing winds and sun when designing the structure. Wide hallways spanning the length of the house with doors at each end further encouraged ventilation.
- Walkable Towns
- In the absence of the automobile, towns were planned for maximum walkability. Out of necessity, markets and other stores with essential supplies were within walking distance and along public transportation routes.
- Energy Use
- As families throughout the country set goals to lower their energy usage, they might be inspired to remember that, not long ago, all households operated 0 kWh per month!
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