Flat-Panel Radiators

Here in the USA, we often think of a radiator as outdated or ineffectual as a heating unit.  In sharp contrast, flat-panel or wall-panel radiators are known in Europe to be the epitome of minimalism, quiet, and calm warmth. That’s because the design and functionality of the radiator has undergone vast changes and has become a streamlined heating option.  The huge hissing, clunking, and groaning radiators of decades past are gone and have been replaced with a sleek, well-designed, efficient, and silent great-grandchild.

How They Work

The “how” of flat-panel radiators has not changed with their design: water is heated in a boiler and flows through the radiators to gently radiate heat into a room.

Benefits

Forced air systems may lose up to 30% of the heat that they generate just through the airway ducts, radiator heat is much more efficient.  They also won’t stir up dust which can cause or exacerbate allergies, and they are so quiet that you’ll probably forget that you even have them.  Wall-panel radiators of the past didn’t have the huge surface area that today’s models have to offer.  This means that the heat they give off is much greater but at the same time, they don’t require the water temperature to be as high and will only heat water to the required heat.  This effectively lowers the amount of energy being used, while heating more efficiently, and making the radiators safe to touch.

Another significant benefit of the flat-panel radiators is that with multiple thermostats, you can limit your wasted energy and save on your utility bill by only heating the rooms you need to heat instead of the entire house.  Unlike their bulky great-grandparents, today’s models offer space-saving solutions, the smallest clocks in at about 2 inches deep, but the average is 3-4 inches.  The large range of designs offered today is also a bonus; you can choose something around which to build your interior décor, or you can choose a design that is practically invisible.

Where to Find

Talk to your custom home builder about the wall-panel radiator options in your area, but a good place to start looking are European companies that import to the USA.  The USA also has some good companies that offer flat-panel radiators, your home builder can help you connect with them and discover the best choice for your dream home.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Commonly agreed on by architects as THE best roofing available, the standing seam metal roof is worth considering for your custom home.  Here’s some basic information to help you get started.

What is it?

A standing seam metal roof comprises metal panels running from the roof top to the eaves of the house.  Every panel is made with ribs along each side, these fit into the corresponding panels on each side which effectively hides the fastenings but also creates the signature raised seams running from the top to the bottom of the roof.  The metal used to make these roofs is typically aluminum, copper, and steel, with the most expensive of these being coper.  While the standing seam metal roof seems to have popped up out of nowhere, it has actually been around since the mid-1700s.

Benefits

Made of thin sheets of metal, a standing seam metal roof is lightweight, which will reduce your structure’s load bearing costs.  You can also install a metal roof directly on an existing roof, this will effectively abolish the cost of removing and disposing the old roof.  Metal roofs are durable and more will last long past their usual warranty of 30-50 years.  It is also wind and fire resistant.  In a hot climate like South Texas, a standing seam metal roof can reduce your home energy consumption because the roof reflect sunlight which means that roof absorbs less heat which will help to lower your utility bill.  Because of the material of which it is made, metal roofing can be 100 percent recycled whenever you decide to replace it, not to mention that it is initially made up of mostly recycled material as well.  It’s a great choice all around for those that are trying to be eco-conscious.

Though metal roofing has been around for a long time, it really hasn’t changed much, though there are now many more finishes available for home builders.  Zinc is another choice metal for roofing and it can last for a lifetime if it is properly made and installed.  With metal roofing, there is also the choice of a non-gutter roof or an integrated gutter.

Dream Home Luxuries

Building a custom home comes with many perks, one of which is being able to incorporate what are considered “luxuries” into the design and many times paying considerably less than if you installed those same luxuries into your existing home.  So if you have a bit extra in your housing budget, or just want to dream about your future castle, here are five of our favorite luxuries to consider for your South Texas home:

 

Solar Panels

We’ve written an entire series about solar paneling for your home, but the main thing that we love about solar panels is that it makes sense for the amount of sun we get here in Texas and it can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Woodstove or Fireplace

Fireplaces and woodstoves are a beautiful focal point for any home, everyone loves to gather around a warm fire for a lively conversation, or for a solitary moment with a well-loved book.  Plus, it could help heat your home without you having to switch on your heating unit.  Not sure whether you should choose a wood-burning or gas fireplace?  We’ve written a little something that might help you make a decision.

Standing Seam Metal Roof

An easy favorite amongst architects, the standing seam metal roof is the stuff of dreams.  It is sustainable, energy-efficient, and is built to last.  Want to know more about it?  Check back next week for the low-down.

Flat-Panel Radiators

This heating system is quiet and efficient, with a gentle warmth that will envelope your house but remain hidden.  Minimalists adore this system because it frees up floor space but also integrates with practically any house design.  Check back in a few weeks for a blog post on the basics of the flat-panel radiator.

Interior Shutters

If shades and curtains aren’t really your thing, wooden shutters might be just the alternative for you.  Though considered old-fashioned by many, wooden shutters are a beautiful and quiet statement in your custom home.  They shut out enough of the outside to give you privacy, but allow light to filter in to create a warm ambience in your home that can’t be reproduced with artificial lights.

What are your top dream home luxuries?  Drop us a line in the comment section, we’d love to hear from you!