If you’re planning on designing your own custom-build home, then you’ve probably considered a wide range of factors - from materials and costs, to suppliers and timeframes. But for eco-conscious individuals, building an environmentally friendly home is at the top of the list. In the UK, the best way to go green with your home is to build it yourself – allowing full control over a range of different factors and elements to make your house more ‘eco’.
Are you interested in environmentally friendly home design? Here’s just a few things you may want to consider if eco-friendly self-build homes are your ultimate housing goal:
Layout And Footprint
The place where you build your home can have a more significant impact on the environment than you might think. If possible, choose open land, and you’ll be far less likely to be removing habitats or getting rid of long-growing trees and flora. Even better if you’re building on pre-used ground. Once you’ve picked a greener site for your new home, you can also look at the footprint of your home to see how eco-friendly you can be. A large house with high ceilings and unused space, for example, is far less likely to be environmentally friendly than one that fits your exact needs with its footprint. There’s always the option for extension later if needed.
Heating And Cooling
There are more eco-friendly ways to heat your new home than ever before. Insulation and sustainable energy are excellent places to start, allowing you to warm your home without any cost to the environment. Large windows and skylights can also provide plenty of air through light, while an economical wood-burning stove or similar can give heat in the colder months. Cooling can be achieved more effectively through specific roof and flooring designs, keeping your home at an optimum temperature any time of the year.
Materials And Resources
Materials for your home can play a huge role in how green your house is. Using recycled and locally sourced materials are the best ways to reduce your environmental impact, as well as using reclaimed furniture or purchasing from local artisans and carpenters. Local slates, woods and stones are a great way to ensure your house looks at home in its natural setting while ensuring a high quality of materials used. The same applies to electrics, too – switching out standard lighting to eco-friendly options, for example, can be a great way to reduce the resources you’re using.
If you’re considering building an eco-friendly home, then BDS Architecture is the team for you. We can accommodate any of your green requirements and support you in planning your dream home. Give us a call or drop us an email today to find out more.
Image source: Pixabay
