3 Green and Gorgeous Trends in Home Design
These days, people want energy-efficient homes that look great. To answer the call of passionate environmentalists, developers are rising to the occasion and designing home features that minimize waste, save energy and reuse reclaimed materials. The results are gorgeous, green homes that help move the sustainable living trend forward.
Hidden Solar Panels Solar panels are a great way to save energy, but not everyone loves the optics. A series of solar panels on the roof may save you money on your utilities, but it can detract from the natural shape of your home. As an alternative, innovative in-roof solar panels are installed level with the roof line. This is accomplished by designing a deeper roof so the solar panels flush with your shingles or other roof material. Of course, this requires some forethought, but it's not impossible to retrofit your existing home to take advantage of the clever development.
Reclaimed Materials
Deconstruction involves the "un-building" of a house. Specifically, when buyers or developers tear down a structure before building a new one, they attempt to reuse, salvage or donate as many materials as possible. Otherwise, all this material ends up in a landfill.
Reclaimed brick brings a rustic character to a new home. It also adds historic appeal and interest to an interior or exterior space. Wood siding and beams reduce further deforestation and often give you beautiful hardwoods and rugged lumber that has stood the test of time. Reclaimed flooring often nets you thicker wood slabs that you can refinish for a powerful visual effect. Bamboo is the ultimate sustainable building material. This fast-growing wood results in light-colored, unique wood floors. Although it’s softer than traditional hardwoods, it's a great wood substitute that can regenerate in three years with minimal pesticides or fertilizers.
Large Windows That Conserve Energy
In the past 20 years ago, windows have gotten larger - and more energy-efficient than ever. High-performance glazing and innovative frames hold in heat in winter and cool air in summer. Steel windows now open, which reduces construction materials and air leakage. This means that green-minded homeowners can enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean or mountains without paying a huge utility bill or expending vast amounts of energy.
If you are in the market for a new home or interested in refinancing your current property, be sure to contact a trusted mortgage advisor with Bond Street Mortgage to learn about current financing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hidden solar panels are installed level with the roofline by designing a deeper roof so the panels flush with shingles or other roofing materials, maintaining the home's natural shape while saving energy. They can also be retrofitted to existing homes with some planning.
Reclaimed materials reduce landfill waste and offer unique aesthetic appeal, such as rustic reclaimed brick or durable wood siding and beams, while supporting sustainable building practices.
Bamboo is fast-growing, regenerates in three years with minimal pesticides or fertilizers, and provides a light-colored, unique wood floor alternative that is softer than traditional hardwoods but highly sustainable.
Deconstruction is the process of "un-building" a house to salvage, reuse, or donate materials before demolition, reducing waste that would otherwise go to landfills.
Windows have become larger and more energy-efficient, helping to conserve energy while allowing more natural light into homes.
Talk to an Advisor
Get personalized mortgage guidance from a local expert.