Every day we hear about climate change and the lack of unsustainable resources and as a result more and more homeowners are opting for eco-friendly designs and ways of building.
However, going “green” doesn’t mean you have to forego luxury. Sustainable homes can be as luxe as any home, if not even more.
Here are just some of the ways you can create an eco-friendly home that will meet all your needs and still provide a touch of luxury.
Opt for eco-friendly floors
Floors are a good place to start if you want to make your home more sustainable. Today there are many green flooring options you can choose from and all of them look super attractive while being earth-friendly.
For instance, instead of new hardwood floors you could opt for reclaimed wood, bamboo or cork flooring.
These are much more eco-friendly than normal hardwood and look great too. If you’re looking for a harder flooring solution you could consider concrete or stone.
Both of these are very durable and easy to maintain, and they leave only a small carbon footprint.
You could also opt for recycled glass and metal tiles made of collected and reused glass, copper, aluminium or brass.
Green roofs
Green roofs and balconies are nothing new but over the past few years they have become extra practical, popular and efficient.
They can provide your luxe home with natural cooling as well as aesthetic appeal.
Efficient windows
More and more homeowners are opting for giant floor-to-ceiling windows – especially those who seek luxury, aesthetic appeal and plenty of natural light in their home.
These features might seem very inefficient but if you invest in double-glazed, high-performance windows, you don’t have to sacrifice energy-efficiency for luxury.
There are many clear films on the market today that improve window performance, while new technologies allow the use of fewer and thinner mullions.
These new windows can provide you with amazing views and energy-efficiency all in one.
Vegetable gardens
As the demand for organic produce rises, so does the interest in home vegetable gardens and orchards. Some luxury estates choose to create edible gardens to have a constant inflow of organic and natural products for their kitchens.
These gardens are good both for the gardener (gardening is a proven way to relieve stress and get some physical activity) and for the environment.
They promote the natural cycle of growth and decomposition that keeps the soil healthy and fertile. Plants that grow in your garden will release oxygen and help achieve optimal air quality.
Aside from vegetable gardens, you can also grow fruit and even vines. Bigger trees will provide your home with shade (reduce cooling costs in the summer) and supply you with fresh fruit.
Proper insulation
We spend almost 50 per cent of all energy in our households on heating and cooling, and some of this precious energy gets wasted thanks to improper insulation.
So, if you want to be more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, make sure your home is sealed, especially around windows and doors, as well as in your attic and basement.
If you’re building a new home, it’s best if you consult with professionals to design an energy efficient home with proper insulation.
Solar energy usage
Solar panels have never been as affordable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing as they are now, so it might be the perfect time to harness the sun’s energy for your own and our planet’s benefit.
If you don’t like the look of traditional solar panels there are companies that produce glass roof tiles that eliminate the need for bulky roof panels.
These solar roof tiles allow you to design your home in any architectural style while still generating energy from the sun.
Luxury doesn’t have to mean wasteful building methods and energy-inefficient design. Today, the most luxe homes are completely sustainable and eco-friendly and they still have their exclusive design and aesthetic appeal.
So, employ these green design solutions and enjoy your luxury property knowing you’re doing something great for the earth.
