Outbuildings: Garages that are located inside or connected to conditioned living space can cause air quality problems associated with the toxic fumes emitted by internal combustion vehicle engines. Separating the garage from the home eliminates these pollutant issues. Other outbuildings that can be considered during the design process are workshops, guest quarters, battery storage buildings for solar electric systems, sheds and farm buildings such as barns or housing for livestock.
Every building has a roof area that might work well for the installation of a solar system. There are many other uses and options for outbuildings that are covered in the GBDKit Guidebook and Workbook. All of these options should be considered during the course of a design charrette.