5 impressive examples of how green technology and great design can rethink your home construction.
Green technologies are becoming increasingly important to future homeowners and builders as we strive to build sustainable and energy efficient homes. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting systems, there are a variety of technologies that can help reduce a home's environmental impact and save on energy costs. In this article we will look at the advantages of green technologies and show you which smart technology you can already plan for.
Passive solar technology
In passive solar design, you use the natural light and thermal mass to heat and cool the building. The goal of passive solar technology is to use the sun's energy to keep a building warm in the winter and cool in the summer without the need for active heating or cooling systems.
How do you implement this in your planning?
Buildings can be designed to take advantage of the sun's position in the sky, e.g. B. through the use of windows, skylights and thermal mass. For example, windows can be placed on the south side of a building to let in the most sunlight during the winter months, while shades can be used to block sunlight in the summer. Thermal mass, such as B. Concrete or masonry, can be used to absorb and store the sun's heat during the day and release it at night to keep the building warm.
What does this achieve?
- Natural heating from the sun
- Natural cooling and thus reduction of energy consumption and costs
Green roofs
Green roofs, also known as planted roofs, are roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation. These roofs have a number of great benefits that are only slowly being discovered.
- You will automatically reduce your energy consumption. Green roofs can help insulate the entire building, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
- You improve air quality The vegetation on a green roof can help filter pollutants from the air and thus improve indoor air quality.
- You reduce the so-called heat island effect: Green roofs can help reduce the temperature of a building and thus reduce urban overheating.
- They provide a habitat for wild animals: Green roofs are a habitat! Birds, insects and small wild animals find new space there.
- Your roof will be protected: The vegetation of a green roof, properly installed, can protect your home from UV radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations, extending its lifespan.
Green Walls
Green walls, just like green roofs, are revolutionizing the way we think about urban architecture and our own home planning. But both definitely require a lot of planning and, above all, care.
The type of planting and the type of breeding ground for the green wall depends on the climate, sunlight and type of building. Irrigation systems, drainage and good access for care are also important factors to consider. It is definitely recommended that you consult a professional designer or contractor to find the best design and maintenance plan for your building.
Rainwater harvesting
The use of rainwater is becoming increasingly important. Drinking water sources are becoming increasingly rare in other countries and we should also look for a solution when building houses. How do you currently use rainwater? Do you catch it with the rain barrel? There are already other, smart solutions.
For example, you can use sensors and monitoring devices to measure the amount of precipitation and the water level in the storage tanks. This information can then be used to optimize the system for maximum efficiency. Additionally, filtration and purification systems can be used to make the collected water safe for consumption. Smart irrigation systems can also be integrated with rainwater collection systems to ensure that collected water is used as efficiently as possible.
Your smart rain barrel can be set up very easily, or you can plan an entire system around it!
Vertical Farming
There are several reasons why your house planning should include a vertical garden:
- You improve the air quality indoors. Plants have the ability to remove pollutants and improve air quality, which can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of those living in your home.
- Improving Aesthetics: Vertical gardens can improve the aesthetics of a house, enhance its appearance and most importantly: bring a touch of nature into the interiors.
- Space Saving: Vertical gardens are a great way to add greenery to a home without taking up valuable floor space. They can be a perfect solution for houses with small plots.
- The vertical garden can be a source of personal satisfaction and joy in watching the plants grow and thrive.