There is no greater feeling than building your dream home, brick by brick. And if you want to ‘go green’, you can be proud of a home that will be environmentally-friendly, as well as being compatible with your lifestyle! When it comes to choosing and installing sustainable materials for self-build projects, it can seem a little confusing without expert assistance.
Here is a guide to creating the energy-efficient home of your dreams:
Structure:
The structure of your home is the most important aspect of the entire project. The structure is what holds it all together, so you’ll want to make sure that the foundation is made up of the
strongest, most sustainable materials available.
Whether you’re going eco-friendly for the first time, or you’re an expert in sustainable materials, laying down a foundation of timber or oak is a smart choice. Both are thermally efficient, and they can be used for both the floor and the foundation of your home.
Insulation
If you’re considering a do-it-yourself insulation, feel free to get creative with sustainable materials. There are many options for sustainable insulation including: sheep’s wool, recycled plastic bottles and recycled newspaper, to name a few.
When you are deciding which material is the right one for your home or building, consider its longevity, price and durability before making the final decision.
Paint
One of the biggest benefits of green homeownership is using paints that are 100% biodegradable. If you or a member of your family has allergies or sensitivity to chemicals, biodegradable paint is a must-have. Furthermore, biodegradable paints are much easier to clean up as they are water based, which means no more paint stains on your new carpet!
Timber & Masonry
You should also consider using timber frames for your next self-build project. They heat up and cool down quicker than traditional material, such as concrete because they have less thermal mass. Masonry is another smart, sustainable material to use in an energy efficient home. It stores heat efficiently as well.
For more information on sustainable materials for self-build projects, visit Flat Pack Houses.
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