Building ‘green’ is easy, and it makes sense too. Sustainable homes are more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run. Imagine having no water bills and virtually no electricity bills. It is all possible when including some sensible design features, preferably from the start.
Sustainable homes with such smart design are also worth more. Ask any real estate agent – there is a reason North orientated homes sell more quickly.
Our top recommendations include:
1 Select a Designer that has proven sustainable design case studies available. Most designers/architects are not well trained in developing Ecologically Sustainable Designed (ESD) homes. They should understand where solar North is, what angles solar energy and solar hot water panels need to sit at, and how to ventilate your home, given the breezes on your site. If they don’t, find another one.
2. Work with your site, not against it. Camp on your site before you start designing – get a feel for it and design it to take advantage of the breezes, views, water, shade and sun.
3. Use the most energy efficient fittings and appliances available. They will often save you time and money in the long run.
4. Use the Ecovillage Codes as a guide, to ensure you consider the major aspects of sustainable building. These Architectural and Landscaping Codes cover over 25 aspects of design and are the result of over a decade of research, and have helped over 50 homes be built at the international award winning estate. To find these Codes click on Downloads and Information link at the top left of this page.
