Elements that cannot be missing from a sustainable home
Elements that cannot be missing from a sustainable home. Currently, health-conscious interior designs are trending, and many people have opted for a sustainable home. This shift is a result of the environmental regulations implemented in recent times to conserve the planet. If you would also like to take care of the environment, then you also need to know the elements of sustainable homes.
Environmental initiatives are a significant movement due to the rising popularity of “green” thinking. As a result, we now have sustainable architecture that is characterized by the optimization of space, energy conservation, and waste reduction.
Sustainable homes have gained importance in the world of architecture
You have probably heard of sustainable homes, but it is also worth highlighting that this type of architecture applies to residences, commercial areas, and manufacturers that have gained an awareness of environmental care.
If you are concerned about becoming aware of your environmental impact, it is important to know the components of sustainable architecture in more detail:
Energy savings
There are several ways to achieve energy savings using renewable energy options such as wind and solar energy. Likewise, we can make use of efficient equipment such as Energy Star computers to avoid consuming too much energy.
There are many strategies that we can implement for better usage of energy. For example, you can make use of the natural light in your space by installing bigger windows. Also, you can turn off the light in rooms of your home when you are not using them.
Space utilization
As mentioned in sustainable home articles, some components cannot be missing from sustainable architecture, and the efficiency of space is one of them. Sustainable architecture relies on a LED certification, which is why architects work very hard to improve the efficiency of interior lighting by integrating daylight.
For this reason, they frequently make use of raised floors or other modern options such as floor boxes, power poles, and fireproof walls.
Waste reduction
The elements of sustainable homes are just as important as the architectural components. When we talk about a sustainable home, waste reduction needs to be a component of the construction process. In this way, as we extend the life cycle of the home, the environmental impact is also reduced.
Any material or product that we can reuse to make the home can contribute to environmental protection. In fact, when it is time to change the house in the future, we can continue to reduce the amount of waste.
What are the elements that cannot be missing from a sustainable home?
If you want to make a radical change in your space toward a more sustainable home, you don’t need to discard everything. On the contrary, it is likely that many of the elements you have are right for this type of home.
Now that sustainable homes are trending you should know the essential elements of sustainable houses:
Organic and ecological paint
The walls of your house can also be sustainable by applying organic and ecological paint.
This type of paint, aside from respecting the environment, is not harmful to health.
Kitchen counters
To have a sustainable home, it is necessary to pick materials that don’t negatively impact the environment. That is why you can opt for stone materials that are made from recycled elements. With kitchen counters, you can opt for panels made of marble powder that will look very modern.
Recycled glass
Recycled glass and natural fibers are also an option, and you can find them in lamps, carpets, or floors.
There is a great variety of products made from recycled materials in the market that will go with the interior design in your home.
Chimneys
If you thought you couldn’t have a chimney in your home because it didn’t match your sustainable theme, then you are wrong. It is possible to have a chimney in your living room, as long as it doesn’t have a smoke exit, or uses fossil fuels.
Cardboard
Believe it or not, recycled cardboard can be very useful in a sustainable home. It can be used to make decorative items to place as table centerpieces.
Likewise, you can make small figurines for children, or customized furniture to suit a particular interior design.
Natural fibers are a characteristic element of sustainable homes
Among the elements of sustainable homes, we find natural fibers such as coconut, bamboo, spar, rattan, and wicker.
In sustainable homes, it is common to see these natural fibers in many products for the following reasons:
- They are light and won’t add visual weight to your space.
- Sustainable homes offer functionality.
- They are resistant, so we can use them in the interior as well as exterior spaces.
- Sustainable homes provide freshness in interior design.
- They are cozy because they provide a lot of warmth.
- Sustainable homes can adapt to any space regardless of the style.
- Ecological materials take care of both you and the environment.
Artisans often use natural fibers to make essential furniture for sustainable houses. In fact, artisans can make furniture or other modern elements that you can include in your modern home.
Furniture is an important element in any home, and the most used fiber in its construction is whicker due to its flexible and easy-to-manage nature.
What are the most used materials in sustainable homes?
Just as there are typical elements of sustainable homes, there are similarly characteristic materials used in their construction. In fact, there are a variety of materials that can be used to build a sustainable home. However, to make the right selection you need to consider the home’s geographical location, the local climate, and other variables.
We must also keep in mind the budget necessary for a sustainable home. What are the needs of those that will inhabit it? Whatever the type of home, you will always need a variety of materials for its construction.
However, for the construction of a sustainable home, there are three basic materials:
Concrete
Concrete is often used a lot in sustainable homes. This material is made of a mixture of aggregates such as dirt, gravel, and cement. Water and other additives are combined with it to reach adequate consistency.
However, concrete is the least environmentally-friendly material that we can use in a sustainable home.
This is because its production requires excessive use of energy in addition to some toxic chemicals. Therefore, its cost is a little high.
Wood
Just as we use wood in the furniture of a sustainable home, we can also use wood to construct the structure of the property.
Of course, the wood used needs to have an ecological certification and a local production guarantee.
Likewise, wood is one of the best insulators available. Its natural warmth is one of its best advantages, although we must disclose that this material can have a high cost because of its sensitivity to fires and other climate conditions.
Brick
Brick is also a frequently used material in the construction of sustainable homes. This material’s resistance to fires is indisputable.
Brick has as much thermal insulation as wood. Furthermore, its production is not 100% sustainable right now.
Yet, if brick catches your eye, you can find uncooked ones in the market as well as environmentally-friendly cement for its joining.
Find the best elements for a sustainable home
The elements of sustainable homes are very easy to come by, so you can easily enjoy their advantages. Even though the construction of a sustainable home can be costly, thanks to the advances in technology you can find many options that fit your budget.
You will find furniture and other products for your sustainable home at different prices so your interior design can look just as you want it.
At Erisa, we have substantial experience with projects focused on sustainable homes and we can help you in their construction. Contact us and we will give you the guidance you need!
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