If you’ve landed on this blog post, you are probably interested in finding ways to renovate and extend your home in an eco-friendly way.
However, you might not know where to start or understand what options are available.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to innovative ways that you can incorporate sustainability into your design and renovation projects.
The meaning of eco-friendly architecture and sustainable design
Sustainable design refers to both the design and build process as well as the end result (and long-term outcomes!) for our clients.
The overarching goal of sustainable architectural design is to reduce the negative impact on our environment.
Through conscious and deliberate design choices, we can create a space that is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and crafted to last and to withstand all weather events.
The holistic methodology takes into account the needs of the people, the environment, and the economy.
What are the benefits of eco-friendly architecture?
Homeowners can make more sustainable choices transform their home renovation or extension. Uncovering these techniques can lead to a range of short and long-term benefits.
Sustainable, conscious decisions will improve:
- Performance of a building
- Indoor air quality
- Occupant health and comfort
- Property value
Additionally, sustainable design:
- Reduces energy consumption and greenhouse emissions
- Saves money on energy and water over the lifespan of your occupancy
- Promotes natural, sustainable resources
- Reduces waste during the build process
- Uses recycled and eco-friendly products
- Demonstrates social responsibility – you’ll feel satisfied and proud of being environmentally responsible!
Examples of eco-friendly materials and techniques
As the movement towards sustainability has grown, so too has our approach.
We are constantly evolving, incorporating new materials and techniques to help educate our clients and promote eco-friendly practices.
Materials
Sustainable building materials for renovations and extensions include:
- Reclaimed timber
- Recycled materials like steel
- Naturally renewable materials like wool and bamboo
- Energy-efficient fixtures such as LED lighting
- Low-tox paint
- Sustainably harvested materials
Techniques
We love collaborating with builders and homeowners to establish sustainability goals.
Together, we have developed a range of techniques that can be incorporated into your latest extension or renovation project.
Here are some of the best tips for incorporating sustainable elements in your renovation plans.
Passive heating and cooling
Great forethought during planning can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Techniques such as shading or eaves as well as natural ventilation deliver passive climate control, which reduces your reliance on mechanical HVAC systems.
This means we need to take factors like orientation, insulation, local climate, and thermal mass into account during the design stage.
Materials
As mentioned above, there are plenty of alternative materials and natural resources we can use to reduce our environmental impact, many of which can be sourced locally.
Insulation
According to Choice, up to 35% of an uninsulated home’s heat can be lost through the roof.
While in summer, that heat quickly makes its way indoors, forcing a heavier reliance on your heating and cooling systems.
Good insulation makes a massive impact on your home’s thermal environment.
Appliances and fittings
One of the best choices you can make in your home is LED lighting.
Lasting up to 20 times longer than older incandescent or fluorescent lights, LEDs use a fraction of electricity and are kinder to your wallet – and the environment.
Additionally, energy and water-efficient rated appliances deliver long-term savings for your household.
Flexibility
A conscious design has a long-term perspective in mind. That means agile solutions that can grow as your family does, and adapt to changing needs.
Best of all, it ensures improved livability for the long term.
What’s in store for the future of sustainable design?
The shift towards sustainable design is largely driven by consumer demand.
As architects, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our clients while also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Designers, architects, builders, and other relevant experts in our industry, are becoming more creative.
It’s now part of our duty to deliver smarter and more responsible solutions to appease a more informed and educated clientele.
What sustainable features would you like to see incorporated into your build, renovation, or extension project?
Whether you’ve already got some great ideas or are looking to your architectural design team to introduce you to eco-friendly renovation and extension options, Ashcroft Architects is with you all the way.
If you’d like to organise a consultation, we’d love to chat!
Let’s get the ball rolling with a phone call, or you can contact us online and we’ll be in touch soon. Call Ashcroft Architects on (07) 3206 0239 or get in touch here.
