5 Green Home Design Trends
Building green homes is not just a development trend. It is a construction approach that is suited to the current global demands and whose timing, relevance and importance will continue to increase.
There are many benefits to green design, and they can be categorized into three buckets: economic, environmental and social benefits. One economic (and environmental) advantage of green homes is that the materials used to build them are durable and sustainable, so they help save on replacement and maintenance costs. Green homes also promote energy efficiency, providing long term savings on utility bills. In addition, some local and state government regulations offer incentives and tax rebates for homes certified through a third-party system, such as LEED or the National Green Building Standard.
Green design also promotes healthy homes and living. Green homes can be built using materials with low or zero VOC paints, adhesives, finishes and sealants. This can result in a healthy indoor air quality at home and better health for homeowners and their family.
Get ready to go green with these tips, and check back tomorrow for three more green ideas!
Solar Reflective Shingles
Solar reflective shingles and roofing membranes are designed to reduce the heat entering your home and to help extend the life of your roof. These cool shingles are made in three layers: a fiberglass and an asphalt layer to provide insulation and protection followed by a layer of reflective granules that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing the heat into the home’s interior. The reflective quality of this roofing material helps to keep the home cooler in the summer, especially in warmer climates. Many brands offer solar reflective shingles in a variety of colors and designs, providing lasting value and enhanced curb appeal while also helping the current owner cut back on utility bills. Here is just one example of a company that produces solar reflective shingles.
Photo provided by Allura USA.
Perforated Metal Accents
Some people do not think of metal as a green material, but this is a misconception. Metal is recyclable, and the accompanying process of perforations can decrease the amount of metal used in manufacturing. When used as a screening element, perforated metal promotes energy efficiency by increasing natural light and reducing the need for artificial indoor lighting. Metal is a durable and versatile design element, as it can be easily molded to a custom design. There are several applications of perforated metal that can make a home unique, such as decorative screens that can be used to divide rooms, shading elements that can help to keep out the sun’s heat, modern staircase designs and custom ornamental grills.
This blog was contributed by Matt Lee, Outreach Coordinator for Allura USA.
