Sustainable home design reduces or eliminates negative environmental impacts through thoughtful designs. Sustainable features are the latest trend to attract buyers who are familiar with the benefits this design entails. When designing a sustainable home, the first things that come to mind for most people are high price tag items such as solar panels and green roofs; however, there is so much more to a sustainable home, and many elements can be surprisingly affordable. When working with clients, it is my job to ensure the projects we develop not only look amazing but are conscious of the impact they have on the environment. Whether designing a new home or retrofitting your existing home, there are several sustainable avenues to generate a more energy-efficient design and lifestyle.
Sustainable New Construction Homes
When starting to design a new home, the orientation of the structure on the site is an important factor to consider. Designing in New Orleans, the lot sizes are usually limiting, so being creative with window locations and orientation is critical. Installing clerestory windows on south elevations allows for natural light to flood the space while keeping the house feeling cool. These conditions make homeowners feel ecstatic. During the Project Development of a recent new construction home, that is exactly what we did – what’s better than an ecstatic client?
In this project, clerestory windows on the south elevation allow natural light to flood the large open concept kitchen, living room, and dining room, making for the perfect entertainment space. Some additional sustainable features for this project include Low-E energy-efficient windows, high-efficiency toilets, water-saving shower heads, and Cumaru wood siding from Advantage Lumber which grows and manages forests in South America to produce a product that is 100% authentic and chemical-free.
Sustainable Home Renovations
An existing home still has plenty of opportunities to achieve sustainable design. Many of the elements we incorporate into new construction designs can be added in a thorough renovation. We’re always willing to put in the effort to source sustainable materials for clients who prioritize minimizing their eco-footprint. Some effective adjustments that can be made without a full renovation include changing all your fluorescent bulbs to LED bulbs, installing a water filter to remove microplastics, or updating the insulation throughout your home.
Whether you’re building new or retrofitting your existing home remember to think about your design decisions because sometimes it’s the small decisions that prevent the greatest impact. As a designer, there is nothing more enjoyable for me than making our client’s dreams a reality. It’s through our design process that we determine the client’s style and design, and today’s homeowners are asking for more sustainable elements than ever before. If you’re interested in starting a sustainable building project or renovation, reach out to us today to find out how we can create a space you’ll love and reflects your values.