H.I.D.E.S. Design

What is it?

H.I.D.E.S. is an acronym that stands for Healthy, Independent, Durable, Efficient, and Secure. Each of these criteria were developed by hundreds of problem-solution links in the design of buildings for high-threat, hostile, and post-disaster environments. Every Exup building uses H.I.D.E.S. as an easily used assessment tool in the design phase.

What are the benefits for Exup structures?

Design can be the most important phase of any building. According to studies commissioned by the state of California, an additional 0-2% of a building’s construction costs in sustainable building design measures upfront results in savings of 20% or more of those construction costs over the building’s lifetime (assumed, conservatively to be 20 years).

By creating an acronym that specifically addresses Exup challenges such as security in high-threat environment, durability and independence in disaster-prone environments, and health and efficiency measures that apply in all environments, any design can quickly be evaluated for its conformance to Exup principles.

H.I.D.E.S. Breakdown:

Healthy

Overlooked as a design feature in conventional homes of the past, health is a major concern in all Exup buildings. From the outside envelope of the building to non-toxic paints, flooring, and countertop materials, the materials Exup uses contribute positively to the healthy qualities of all our buildings.

Not only does Exup eliminate the source of pollution inside, the indoor environment is addressed through various ventilation and cleaning strategies, from physical filtration of dust to natural methods that eliminate viruses and bacteria. In a healthy environment, occupants live and operate at their fullest potential. Whether in a small family environment or a large corporate headquarters, Exup buildings maximize healthy living.

Independent

The concept of an independent building has evolved beyond the energy system to encompass the whole process of design and construction. Using renewable energy to power a home, rainwater catchment systems to provide water, solar energy to heat it, composting organic waste to feed surrounding landscaping and grow vegetables, independent homes are much more than just energy independent.

Exup designed independent buildings sit firmly on their foundations, rooted to the earth, interacting and contributing positively to the surrounding world.

Durable

With conventional buildings lasting less than 10 years before they need a major overhaul, durability is a very important part of the Exup design and building process. Cost analysis of Exup structures vs. conventional suggest that an Exup building can outlast a conventionally built structure by a factor of 6.

By building with an Exup design, an owner can save over $400,000 over the life of a building. Durability is also important in protecting occupants from natural events, ranging from common thunderstorms and rainy days to tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Exup homes are designed for the highest seismic level possible, and with good care and maintenance will perform on a first day level for hundreds of years.

Efficient

Efficiency is a crucial part of green design, and is integrated into every decision made regarding an Exup building, from lightbulb placement to kitchen layout. Because of this, Exup building designs are some of the most efficient on the planet. Every material we use performs at least two tasks, more if possible.

This translates into fewer materials used and a higher cost effectiveness. Exup designed buildings can cut operating costs by up to 70% over conventional building, allowing businesses and homeowners to put their money where it will work the hardest for them.

Secure

Security is of the highest concern in high-threat environments; neglect security in the building of a camp and you risk losing the assets of the entire camp. By utilizing green building strategies combined with hands-on security experience, Exup is able to offer buildings and camps that are inherently more secure than conventional building.

Building for security not only lowers risk level in high threat environments, the same techniques provide multiple benefits in any environment: low operating costs, durable materials, proof against looting or civil unrest when the next hurricane hits.

By addressing security, Exup helps address every other beneficial aspect of green building in high threat, hostile, and post-disaster environments.

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For hundreds of helpful facts and figures regarding green building, energy, and the economy, check out our Green Facts page.