You have just started what could be the biggest project on your life; building your own dream house using an eco friendly home design. This is a noble decision you have made and now requires a lot of research to ensure you really are really going green, and not getting swindled by clever marketing. So where do you start?

Keep in mind your home is where you spend the most of your time, your solitude from work, your entertainment venue for your closest friends, and it will be the social hub for your family. The most important factor with the layout of your home is that it fits in with your lifestyle, not just now but in 5 – 10 years, if you plan to stay there for an extended period. So what are the things to consider?

The best place to start is to consider how you use your home. Where do you spend most of your time, in a living area, a dining area, or an office area? Are you entering and exiting the home a lot i.e. kids running inside and out to a garden. Doors being opened create the biggest loss of heating or cooling which could be reduced with the use of an enclosed patio area at the entrance that is most used. Do your family sleep in or are they early rises? This will impact the direction you face your home for the sun, as you may prefer bedroom light in the morning and living area light in the evening. What is your local climate like? Can you utilise the sun for heating in winter and make adjustments like using directions shutters for protection from the suns heat in summer.

With these things in mind it’s now time to talk to an architect. Finding an architect that specialises in eco friendly home designs is a great idea as they often have some unique ideas specific to your location. If you cant, you will need to give your architect clear criteria. Here are some important considerations you may wish to discuss:

Water Conservation:

Capture rainwater where you can to use for gardening/outdoor use or filter it and feed it into your homes water supply.

Use water economical appliances, front loader washing machines tend to use less water, check ratings on dishwashers for the most water conservative machines.

Hose, Shower and Tap fittings should be designed for water conservation. Where you can, use taps that are time limited or even infrared so that they are only turned on when you need them and you don’t risk them being left on.

Capture gray wastewater from your shower for use in your gardens and lawns.

Energy Efficiency:

Use underfloor insulation such as pumice and concrete flooring for thermal mass.

Use thermal insulation in roofing and walls such as a wool blended insulation.

Minimise the use of windows to only where you need them and use thermal rated glass or double-glazing.

Purchase only energy efficient appliances and lighting, check the rating from the manufacturers.

Use solar water heating where possible.

Install solar roof tiles and feed electricity back into your home and the main power grid.

Choose the appropriate colour roofing for your climate. Dark colours in cooler climates, light colours in hotter climates.

Insulate all hot water systems (pipes and water heaters) and centralise your plumbing.

Use natural airflow to cool or heat your home.

Building Materials:

Consider the source of your products, the impact it has on the environment from removing the products and the impact the processing of the product has on the environment. You will also need to consider what will happen with the product if at the end of its life on your home, can it be recycled, is it biodegradable?

Use certified, toxic treatment free timbers (check options with your local suppliers).

Use Gypsum on walls and ceilings, It can be recycled. Better still use recycled Gypsum.

Consider fast growing renewable materials such as bamboo or cork.

Try natural Linoleum flooring indoor or recycled rubber indoor/outdoors.

Use paints and adhesives that are toxic free and environmentally friendly. Make sure they are (VOC).

Consider products that minimise the effects on people with allergies and asthma.

Other Considerations:

Look at waste recycling options; green bins may be available from your local council.

Your gardens should be a strong selection of edible plants and native foliage.

Set a budget for your home- if you are opting for energy systems like solar, ensure you have a payback time in mind that will cover the initial additional outlay.

Remember, The most important thing for your design is how it fits you, your family and your activities. Your home needs to fit your families’ physical and emotional needs to ensure you live happily in your new environment. Good luck with your new home, fill it with happiness, love and a little laughter!

A great website has been created by this author, giving readers free information on Eco Friendly Homes, Eco Friendly Home Designs

Harley foundered the website http://www.ecofriendlyhomedesigns.com to assist in readers in ensuring that they are really going green with their eco friendly home designs. Helping not only save you money but also save the environment.

Author Bio: A great website has been created by this author, giving readers free information on Eco Friendly Homes, Eco Friendly Home Designs

Category: Home Management
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