In recent years, there has been a growing movement to design and build eco-friendly and sustainable homes. This is due, in part, to increased awareness of the damaging effects of climate change, as well as the availability of more sustainable materials for buildings and environmentally friendly technologies. But what exactly does it mean to build a sustainable house? And how can you make your house both beautiful and sustainable? Continue reading to find out.
What makes a home sustainable?
A variety of factors contribute to a home’s sustainability. To begin, sustainable construction materials with low embodied energy are typically used to construct sustainable homes. Embodied energy is the amount of energy required to produce, transport and instal a given building material. Sustainable house materials with low embodied energy help to reduce a home’s carbon footprint.
Second, sustainable homes are built to have a low environmental impact by maximising natural light and ventilation, minimising water consumption and utilising renewable energy sources. This is significant because it contributes to lowering the home’s carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Third, sustainable homes are built to last. This means they are constructed with high-quality materials and methods that will last a long time. This is critical because it means the building will last longer and will not need to be restored, renovated or fixed as frequently, conserving resources and proving to be a long-term investment.
Finally, sustainable house designs are intended to be both comfortable and efficient. This means that they are designed with the occupants’ comfort and needs in mind. They take into account natural lighting and ventilation and they are designed to be energy-efficient so that occupants do not have to use as much energy to heat or cool the home. This makes sustainable homes not only better for the environment, but also more cost-effective for the people who live in them.
Making your home both beautiful and sustainable
Many people believe that to be sustainable, eco-friendly homes must sacrifice style. This does not have to be the case! There are several ways to make an eco-friendly house that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly. You could, for example, use bamboo instead of traditional wood framing for your walls. Bamboo is an extremely strong and fast-growing material that is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available and looks beautiful as well!
Another way that eco-friendly house designs can be both beautiful and sustainable is to use recycled or upcycled materials whenever possible. This could include using salvaged wood for flooring or reclaimed bricks for your fireplace surround. These materials will not only add charm and character to your home, but they will also help reduce its environmental impact.
Tate Construction is a Western Australian construction company based in Margaret River. We have experience working on a wide variety of commercial and residential construction projects throughout Western Australia. Our team is committed to using sustainable materials for buildings and utilising methods that are as efficient as possible. Please call us at (08)97573913 to discuss your upcoming residential or commercial construction project.