Eco-Friendly Homes: What Features Actually Make a Difference
The definition of an environmentally friendly house or eco house is a residence that is specially designed by paying attention to factors other than aesthetics, namely being environmentally friendly.
Even though the design is complicated, this type of house is able to provide benefits for the residents and the environment.
Benefits of Eco House
If you live in an urban area, an eco-friendly house could be a type of residence that offers comfort.
Apart from being comfortable, there are several other benefits of choosing this type of house, namely:
Environmentally friendly
As the name suggests, the eco house concept is a residence that has an environmentally friendly impact. Therefore, in its construction, the materials and designs used always pay attention to eco-friendly values such as saving electricity, minimizing the use of glass, or using high ceilings to reduce the use of air conditioning.
Reduce Electricity Usage
As an effort to control global warming, electricity use must also be limited.
Therefore, usually the eco house concept has been designed in such a way that it does not need to use excessive electricity.
Examples include using sunlight as a substitute for lights during the day and high ceilings so that the house feels cooler even without air conditioning.
Creating a beautiful environment
Generally, in an environmentally friendly house there are plants placed in the room to provide a cool feel.
In its placement, there are things that need to be considered, such as the presence of an infiltration system around the house.
Save Energy
•Residences with an eco-house concept do use little electricity.
•The reason is, this is done to reduce the effects of global warming, one of which is caused by electricity.
•That is why many environmentally friendly homes utilize sunlight for lighting during the day.
Helps Maintain Environmental Ecosystems
If humans continue to build using natural materials, the possible consequence is damage to the environmental ecosystem.
To prevent this, that is why the eco house concept exists.
By implementing this home concept, you can get a comfortable home that does not damage nature.
Requirements for Making an Eco House
Because environmentally friendly houses are still not widely implemented, knowledge about this type of housing is still limited.
To make it, there are several conditions that need to be considered, such as:
Material
The first important thing is the material. An eco-friendly house avoids using natural materials in its construction process.
For example, replacing cement walls with bricks.
Avoid Using Partitions for Rooms
The presence of dividing walls in a room can make air circulation less even.
In addition, partitions can also make the house look narrower and increase the use of air conditioning or lights.
That is why eco-friendly homes implement a concept without partitions for more even lighting and a more spacious impression.
Infiltration System
If you want to create a private green space like a garden, the thing you need to pay attention to is the infiltration system around the house or bio pores.
Set the Ventilation in the Right Part
Air vents do not always have to be located at the top of a building.
In house construction, generally the houses they live in have ventilation located at the bottom.
Because according to some experts, air circulation blows through the cavity under the building.
Use of Solar Panels
Because the concept of an eco-friendly house is environmentally friendly, so if you have a bigger budget, solar panels can be used as a backup power source.
By using this tool, you no longer need to worry about inflated electricity bills.
Update Lifestyle
Apart from the design and architecture, the eco-friendly home concept can also be applied to the lifestyle of its residents.
For example, by using shopping bags to reduce the use of plastic bags or using public transportation to travel to reduce gas emissions.
So, that is an explanation of what an environmentally friendly house is, its benefits and the requirements for its implementation.
Tips for Designing an Eco-Friendly Home
Building a dream home is not only about aesthetics and comfort, but also responsibility towards the environment.
Here are some interesting tips for designing an eco-friendly home that you can apply.
Utilize Natural Light and Air Circulation
Home design focuses on optimizing natural resources. This can start by maximizing natural lighting. Create large windows facing the east and west sides to capture morning and afternoon sunlight. Then, avoid using thick curtains and choose thin curtains that allow light to enter.
Also, make windows and vents facing each other for good air circulation. This helps reduce the use of air conditioners and air conditioners, thus saving energy.
Choose environmentally friendly materials
The choice of building materials plays an important role in creating an eco-friendly home. You can use materials derived from renewable natural resources, such as bamboo, recycled wood, or lightweight bricks. These materials are not only environmentally friendly, but also offer good aesthetics and durability.
Avoid using materials that contain hazardous chemicals, such as paints and flooring that are high in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). These VOCs can trigger allergies and other health problems. Choose more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as water-based paints or natural flooring.
Save Energy and Water
Excessive use of energy and water can also have a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, it is important for you to implement energy and water saving habits in your daily life. Use energy-efficient electronic equipment, such as LED lights and electronic devices with energy-saving labels.
Install water-efficient shower heads and faucets, and make it a habit to turn off the water when not in use. Check regularly to make sure there are no water leaks in the house.
Adding Green Elements
Lastly, in designing an environmentally friendly house is to add plants. Why? Plants have an important role in maintaining natural balance and creating a beautiful atmosphere. Plant trees around the house to provide shade and absorb carbon dioxide.
Create a small garden in your yard or plant indoor plants. In addition to beautifying your home, plants can also help clean the air and improve your quality of life.
Thus, the tips above can help you realize a comfortable, beautiful, and sustainable home, as well as contribute to preserving nature. In essence, creating an eco-friendly home is now not only a trend, but also a responsible lifestyle.