This year is already full of exciting home trends. One that is proving to be positively impactful is the rise of green home building! As humans begin to comprehend the various effects on the earth, homeowners are looking to build environmentally friendly homes. Beautiful homes not only stand out among the rest by design or size, but also by the thoughtful way these homes considered the environment as they were being constructed. Are you interested in designing your sustainable home in 2022?
Read more about the process of building a custom home with sustainability in mind…
“The North American green building market size is leading the green building transition market. In 2019, it held about a 29.1% share of the global market. Over the forecasted period of 2018–2023, the US market is expected to rise at a CAGR of 10.89%, with the residential market-dominating this growth.” Comfy Living
Often, when the Tom Lens Custom Homes team is approached by a client wanting a sustainably sourced home, they have several questions about the process of building one. Our experts have compiled a few of these questions along with the answers to help guide you in the right direction when it comes to building your very own eco-friendly home!
What is a “green home”? How will it benefit my family and finances?
A green home (or eco home) is an environmentally friendly/low-impact home created with sustainable materials and technology that helps reduce its carbon footprint. Green homes use less energy, water, and natural resources, as well as create less waste than a standard home. These homes use various materials, and some are even considered “smart homes” when waste prevention technology is applied to their daily use.
“Energy efficiency is the cornerstone of every green home. Besides saving homeowners money through lower utility bills, an energy-efficient home may save some costs during construction. In addition, an energy-efficient home is a more comfortable home.” HGTV
There are a few health benefits to having a sustainable home that is worth mentioning:
- The peace of mind you have knowing your home is not impacting the environment in a harmful way.
- Sustainable homes tend to have better airflow, natural materials, and natural light, all of which are good for your health and family development. People who are allergic to dust, certain chemicals in paints, and harsh carpet fibers can rest a little more easily living in eco-friendly homes that protect their medical needs.
- Improved heating, ventilation, insulation and air sealing reduce the risks and symptoms of respiratory disease, asthma, cancer, heart disease, depression, and more.
Will sustainable materials compromise the overall aesthetic or luxury feel of my new home?
Absolutely not! Having an eco-friendly home doesn’t mean luxury and style take a back seat. Going green is not only fabulous, but it’s also a popular trend in modern home design. Our interior design team has been ahead of the home design trend curve by using sustainable materials for years now! Did you know that marble is actually a sustainable material? Build that beautiful white marble kitchen island without impacting the environment! Sustainability in no way affects the luxury aesthetic you’re envisioning!
Below are a few breathtaking examples of refurbished or natural materials that our team has elegantly implemented in our custom home projects….
Wood paneling: Upcycled wood doesn’t have to be used strictly for flooring. In many of our builds, recycled wood paneling was used to design and create the front porch. Underneath the archway of the entrance and along with the primary columns of the structure. This fresh take on recycled wood looks marvelous in combination with the Tom Len signature aesthetic. By using reclaimed wood, we reduce the acceleration in the deforestation of our world. Unique accents like these will also enhance your home’s curbside appeal!
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Sustainable homes also rely on technology to keep them eco-friendly. A great way to do this is by choosing your home appliances wisely. We use top-of-the-line home appliances when creating custom homes. With these smart home appliances, digital features control the amount of water and energy you use.
EcoWatch shares: If you soon need to replace any of the following appliances, consider choosing energy-efficient models, like those that are Energy Star certified. The reason we recommend investing in these particular appliances is that your energy bill savings should pay off the price difference quickly:
- Refrigerator
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Heating/cooling appliances
- Smart thermostat
- Water heater
- Ceiling fans
Natural Light: When designing sustainable custom homes, one element that is a must is natural light! Having more windows in your home allows you to soak in natural light and absorb the many health benefits, as well as financial ones. The more windows, the happier you will be. Outside of the numerous health benefits of being in natural light, it feels fantastic and will lift your spirits. Energy-saving double-paned windows not only prevent heat from escaping your home but keep the cold air from coming in during the winter months. With the protection of these windows, there will be a decrease in energy loss and lower monthly bill. Your family will use the furnace and central air conditioning less, therefore you’ll be saving money as well as helping the planet.
Upcycled Glass and Tile: Have you ever wondered what happens to the extra pieces of broken tile or glass not used during construction or home remodels? A lot of these once gorgeous materials end up in landfills or the ocean. One innovative trend in the green material industry is to recycle these discarded materials into beautifully crafted new textiles! These stunning pieces of renewed materials stand out in luxury home bathrooms, giving these spaces a lush spa-like feel.
Stone or Brick Backyards: While designing your environmentally friendly home, consider the natural elements. Having stones, marble, and brick, for example, be a part of your luxury backyard design is the perfect way to set the ambiance of the outdoor experience. Natural stones material give sophisticated depth to any plan. Your family will bask in the beautification of your backyard area, all while reaping the benefits of being outdoors more. A bonus is a decrease in your carbon footprint by spending more time in the comfort of your luxury property.
Others Sustainable Materials: Need some further inspiration for what to include when building your home? Here’s a helpful list of more great sustainable materials to consider:
- Cob
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Earthbags
- Upcycled Plastic
- Steel Rods
Tom Len Custom Homes cares about our clients and our impact on the environment. Using an experienced luxury home builder like Tom Len lowers the risk of avoidable mistakes. The TLCH team practices eco-friendly building, meaning we are mindful of our construction waste and where we source materials, which is a bonus to creating your sustainable home!
Tom Len is the North Shore’s reputable, premier home builder. Our many years of home design & build expertise have earned us a solid reputation for high standards, quality materials, and reliable communication. Read client testimonials to hear what our clients say about their 5-star experience!
