Making the most of the sun’s rays for sustainable living is the concept behind passive solar house designs. Passive solar houses are designed with highly efficient insulation, and windows and doors which capitalize on natural light and heat to reduce energy costs. The design of passive solar homes may also include features such as green roofs, solar-energy systems, and rainwater collection systems. Developers of passive solar houses make use of the sun's heat entering through the windows and doors to warm the interiors. During the summer, the heat is blocked with window shades and awnings to keep the house cool.Passive Solar House Designs
Passive Solar House Designs
It's likely that you've seen a green roof before; it's a roof that has been designed with vegetation on it! In the past, green roofing was typically dominated by grassy patches atop commercial buildings, but now, it's become a popular choice for homeowners looking to make a statement. During the summer, green roofs help to cool down the surrounding areas. In the winter, they provide additional insulation which can help to save energy and money. Installing a green roof doesn't require any major construction and utilizes sustainable and easily-sourced materials.Green Roof House Design
Green Roof House Design
Net-zero energy homes, or NZEHs, are designed to be energy self-sufficient. Through the use of green building techniques such as solar paneling, energy efficient windows and appliances, geothermal heating, and energy-saving insulation, NZEHs are capable of producing just as much energy as they consume. By taking advantage of renewable energy sources, net-zero energy homes are creating a cleaner environment and helping to reduce overall energy costs.Net-Zero Energy Home Design
Net-Zero Energy Home Design
Sustainable home design is a way of constructing a home with environmentally friendly materials and practices. In order to create a sustainable home, architects and builders focus on creating homes that use natural resources optimally, limiting the amount of waste that is created and reducing the cost of energy bills. Sustainable housing can include using energy-efficient lighting, recycled materials, and using natural resources like sunlight and wind to heat and cool the home.Sustainable Home Design
Sustainable Home Design
Sometimes called sustainable homes, eco-friendly designs focus on minimizing the impact of the structure on the environment. By utilizing sustainable materials such as recycled lumber and brick and recycled aluminum, builders are able to create eco-friendly home designs that will last for generations. Eco-friendly designs also focus on energy-efficiency and can include features such as solar power, rainwater collection, green roofs, and energy-efficient windows and appliances.Eco-Friendly Home Designs
Eco-Friendly Home Designs
Designing and constructing green buildings offers a unique opportunity to create homes that are more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Green buildings are designed with the use of sustainable materials and practices, such as recycled materials, energy efficient lighting, and rainwater collection. Green building construction is becoming increasingly popular and often comes with benefits such as lower energy costs, more comfortable living spaces, and a lower environmental impact.Green Building House Design
Green Building House Design
Natural building houses are designed to use sustainable materials and practices. These homes are typically constructed using earth, stone, and natural finishes like wood and bamboo. This type of design emphasizes energy-efficiency, creating a comfortable living space without becoming overly reliant on electricity. Natural building houses also take advantage of natural resources such as wind, sunlight, and rain to maintain a comfortable temperature. Natural Building House Design
Natural Building House Design
Zero running cost houses are designed in order to create a living space that operates without any electric bills. In order to do this, designers and constructors utilize renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, and energy-efficient features such as green roofs and energy-efficient windows and appliances. By using these efficient energy sources, zero running cost homes drastically reduce their environmental impact while still providing a comfortable living environment.Zero Running Cost House Design
Zero Running Cost House Design
Zero carbon house design is an energy self-sufficient home which produces no carbon emissions. It is designed to make use of renewable sources such as solar and wind power to eliminate energy bills. Zero carbon homes use a variety of energy- and water-efficient appliances and recycling of materials to reduce the environmental impact. These homes are also designed with highly-efficient insulation to keep them comfortable in any weather.Zero Carbon House Design
Zero Carbon House Design
Reclaimed wood houses are eco-friendly homes designed with the use of salvaged materials. The recycled wood from structures such as old barns, warehouses, and buildings, can be used to create floors, walls, and siding for a home. Reclaimed wood has a unique look and texture that is often sought after by homeowners. In addition to being environmentally friendly, reclaimed wood can offer a rustic and charming look to any home.Reclaimed Wood House Design
Reclaimed Wood House Design
Design for Sustainability
Sustainable house design starts with the basic principles of ecology and energy efficiency. Many builders and architects are now turning to
ecologically friendly construction materials
, such as fast-growing cork, bamboo, and other renewable resources, to create
sustainable homes
with lower environmental impact.
With an eye on
energy efficiency
and respect for the environment, sustainable home design strives to
reduce hazardous waste
through removing or minimizing the use of things like chlorine, PVC, carbon, and lead. It also focuses on conserving resources, improving air quality, and maximizing reuse in the design and manufacturing process.
There are a number of ways to make a house more efficient, from improved
insulation
to
energy efficient
lighting or appliances, the options are virtually unlimited. Additionally, there are ways to reduce the amount of
water consumed
in a household over time. Low-flow toilets, tap aerators, water saving showerheads, and washing machines with short-cycling are all viable options for reducing water consumption.
Renewable Energy Sources
Utilizing renewable energy sources is great way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to lower the life-cycle environmental contributions of a home.
Solar energy
is the most commonly used form of renewable energy in the home and can be used for everything from heating water to lighting up a living space.
Other forms of renewable energy, such as
wind energy
, geothermal, and hydro energy, are also becoming increasingly popular. These can be integrated into the design in the form of roof-top wind turbines, geothermal energy pumps, or hydro turbines, to not only reduce the need for electricity derived from fossil fuels, but also to provide the home with its own clean energy source.
Smart Landscaping
Smart landscaping is also an important factor in designing a sustainable home. Planting native or drought-tolerant plants and cultivating a garden of hardy edible species is a great way to
reduce water consumption
. Planting a few trees can also provide natural shade and ventilation, cutting down on the need for air conditioning in the hotter months of the year.
By using natural elements such as plants, water, and wind in the design, sustainable house design can lead to a comfortable and efficient living environment with a minimal environmental footprint.
