The design of your home can have an impact on the environment. And if you’re conscious about protecting our only planet, you would want to have an energy-efficient home. When it comes to this, you think about the basics – installing solar panels and having fixtures that use as little energy as possible.
While using the aforementioned methods does reduce environmental impact, there is still another way to have an eco-friendly home. Your house’s design also improves sustainability and further reduces your impact. Here are tips on how you can have a more energy-efficient home.
#1. House size
A smaller home is basically considered more eco-friendly than a bigger one. However, size is not the only thing to consider to have an energy-efficient abode. A two-level stacked house with smaller square footage is much more energy-efficient compared to a single-level sprawling house. If you want a sustainable home, think of how much space you need to have and figure out how you can conserve more energy. If you can have everything you need in a smaller space, you’ll be increasing sustainability.
#2. Passive design
Design your home to be passive – you need a house that can look after itself. A house that receives more sunlight during winter means you don’t spend a lot on heating appliances. Windows that are strategically placed to allow in cool breeze means you don’t need to spend much on cooling appliances.
#3. Smart home
Automating the processes in your home may be an expensive way to design a home. However, if you want an eco-friendly place, technology may be able to help. If you automate your home, all processes that waste energy can be minimized. Your home will adjust according to what’s mostly used in your home. Having a smart home is not only convenient but it’s also energy-efficient.
#4. Recycled materials
Building a home in itself is not quite eco-friendly as you need to think about the construction materials delivered to your place. Sure you are going for more sustainable design, but the manufacture and delivery of the materials already have an impact on the environment. To remedy this, going for reclaimed or recycled materials for your energy-efficient home project is a smart choice. Further, reduce your environmental footprint by asking around for the materials from local builders or checking out classified ads. Your contractor can also offer recycled alternatives.
#5. Sustainable landscaping
If you want greeneries in your property, you need plants that thrive best in the climate of your area. Doing so means you get to save energy and water while rearing them. You can also go for trees that offer shade in your home and if you plant them, make sure they block out the scorching heat of the sun so you wouldn’t have to turn up the A/C on full blast during hot months. At the same time, make sure the trees also allow in sunlight during winter months.
Indoor lighting takes up so much energy if you don’t consider energy-efficient options. You’re not only burdened by electric bills but also the fact that you need to buy and switch out the bulbs from time to time. To go around this, inform your architect to design a home that takes advantage of natural lighting. LED lights are also a great option for a more sustainable lighting for your home. They may be more expensive but they last longer and consume less electricity.
#7. Proper insulation
When it comes to having an energy-efficient home, insulation is one of the most important things to consider. Without proper insulation, most of the heat in your house will escape through the walls and roof. Having a properly-insulated home not only means you get to save on energy bills but also you’ll be reducing your environmental impact.
A house with effective insulation means you don’t have to tinker with your thermostat every now and then. You also get to experience few uncomfortable temperature fluctuations and spend less energy to live comfortably.
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35 Tiny House Design Ideas To Inspire Your Downsizing Plans
Who says a small house can’t ooze charm? While there are people who dream of living in a sophisticated mansion, there are also those who would rather retreat to tiny spaces. But living in a small house doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice the overall interior design. There are many gorgeous tiny house design ideas that will surely convince you to live small but happy.
A house is considered tiny if it measures less than 400 square feet. It can be a standalone structure on its own foundation, an accessory home on a larger property with a primary dwelling, or a mobile building. With small living increasing in popularity, more homeowners want to take on the challenge to make it work and make their space look adorable – even if it’s short on space.
One can enjoy a comfortable life if they know how to design and maximize the space in tiny houses. Small living is more than just a trend – it’s now a lifestyle that many people choose to live. If you’re done with large spaces and want a smaller dwelling, it’s time to go small.
Check out these tiny house design ideas for inspiration.
With the tiny house movement, more people are drawn to small living to save money. After all, you don’t need a big piece of land to build your small house on. And if you go for a mobile tiny house, it’s portable and easy to move around. It also doesn’t cost a lot to build a tiny house since there is not a need for a lot of materials. It also takes less time to build one. These houses are also attractive to eco-warriors or people who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Other than cost, some people would rather live small because they just like the idea of simple living. There’s not a lot going on when you move into a tiny home. There’s not a lot of space to clean up and maintain. Also, there are just those who appreciate the personal and intimate space that a tiny house can offer.
Moving into a tiny home is cost-efficient and can be fulfilling for those who are organized and are aiming for financial freedom. Living small may look simple but it certainly is not for everyone. There is still a need to consider the pros and cons of downsizing before committing to the lifestyle.
20 Stunning Lakehouse Designs
Having a house near the water give you the best of both worlds. If you want a unique house design, and at the same time, you love nature, checking out lakehouse designs is just what you need to do. There is a houseboat you can go for but nothing beats floating houses and houses situated by the lake. These houses give you the feeling of being in the water but you get to be in an actual house.
A lakehouse gives you a stunning view of a lake (or even ocean) and the nature that surrounds it. What’s awesome is that many lakehouse designs are affordable compared to traditional homes.
Benefits of Living in Floating Houses and Lakehouses
Most floating homes are generally less costly compared to concrete homes because of the materials used. In some states, there is no need to pay property taxes because a floating home is not considered as “real property.” Most floating house and lakehouse designs are equipped to deal with flood and the rising water levels.
The floating structures can easily be moved if you don’t happen to like your neighbor or the area. Most importantly, you get that satisfaction of being connected with nature. Have you considered a house on or beside the water? Maybe you would once you get to check out these gorgeous lakehouse designs.
Cool, Modern Floating House Designs
Gorgeous and Unique Lakehouse Designs
The trend is increasing for floating homes and more people are interested to have a life on the water. Being near or on the water is peaceful and serene; it also offers fascinating scenery. It doesn’t matter if your home is situated on the water or beside it – the experience can be breathtaking. Although these floating house and lakehouse designs can be inspiring, it’s not for everyone and there are people who would still rather go for traditional homes.
33 Dreamy Houses in The Woods To Captivate You
Dreamy houses in the woods are a great idea for anyone who doesn’t mind retreating to an isolated place. Sure, living in a bustling city can be fun and going off the grid might not be an option for you, but when it comes to a fulfilling R&R, a cabin by the woods will be perfect.
What’s great about these dreamy houses in the woods is not only the fact that you get to live in isolation, away from the crowd and noise, but also because you get to be one with nature. You also get to hear the sounds and see the beauty of nature – and perhaps, smell the clean air.
These houses can also be profited from. If you own one, you can put it up as a vacation home for rent during the holidays. Do you want to build your own dream home in the woods and live peacefully? Do you want to build one so you can offer it for rent and earn money? Whatever the case, check out the photos below for some inspiration.
Your free time is best spent in a tranquil dreamy house in the woods. You can breathe clean air, you can enjoy everything beautiful nature has to offer. If you are interested in building a house in the woods, remember that the house should be made as part of nature, not as an imposing structure.
There are different styles of dreamy houses in the woods that will surely make your jaw drop. Many architects incorporated modern home designs that are surrounded by nature using glass, steel and wood to create that sophisticated houses with spectacular nature views. If you prefer a more rustic feel, a wooden cabin by the woods would definitely be perfect. Whatever style suits your taste, these house designs will surely make you wish you’ll live a life experiencing the great outdoors more.