If you are thinking about having a more quiet and peaceful life, living in the woods sounds like a great idea. Now, the question is, how to build a sustainable home in the woods?
Although that might sound difficult, you can easily create a plan by using the simple tips that you can find in this article.
Why should you build a sustainable home?
Sustainable homes are a great way to save our environment. Those types of homes should have a better impact on our planet.
That said, they will be more energy-efficient, the materials the home is made for will be more durable and better for the nature around us.
They are usually cheaper to maintain, and your utility bills will be lower. Going green can become your lifestyle, and you will feel better knowing you are living a life that’s environmentally friendly.
You can incorporate a lot of great real estate tips on building sustainable homes so that your home has a better resale value.
If you don’t know where to start, here are the best choices on how to build a sustainable home:
Use the right materials
When making a sustainable home in the woods, you need to think about the materials you are going to use.
If the location allows it, it’s best to use natural stone and wood. They are eco-friendly but durable at the same time, so your home will be of high quality.
Try to use as many natural materials as possible to make your building more energy-efficient. You can also use recycled materials to reduce costs and make the home greener.
Here is a list of the best materials you can use while building to save the environment:
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Recycled plastic
- Reclaimed steel and wood
- HempCrete
Think about tiny houses
Tiny houses are made to reduce your carbon footprint. A tiny house can help you to start your green lifestyle. They are cheaper, use fewer materials than a regular house, and overall maintenance is lower than usual.
Since the houses are small, they are decluttered on a daily basis which is another good thing for nature around you.
Your life will be more efficient, and live an affordable life. You can start your plan by researching tiny bathroom ideas, tiny kitchens, etc.
Go solar
Going solar is a great way to keep your home sustainable. By going solar, you will reduce your energy costs, and you will get pure energy directly from the sun. Solar panels help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
They also reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Also, solar panels will increase the market value of your home. Since solar energy is renewable, by using it, you can reduce your carbon footprint.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Using appliances that are energy-efficient is key to saving energy, money and protecting the environment around you. They help you save water, prevent greenhouse emissions, reduce your carbon footprint and help you save money.
They might be more expensive to buy, but the investment will pay off in the long run. Most of them require less maintenance than regular appliances, so that is also a bonus.
Choose the proper insulation
Insulation is very important when building your sustainable home in the woods. It provides resistance to heat flow, and it will keep your home warm during winters but cold during summertime.
Your bills will also be lower since it will be easier to cool and heat the house when needed. There are great eco-friendly materials you can use for the insulation:
- Wood wool
- Celulose
- Hemp
- Cork
- Sheep wool
- Cotton
- Fiberglass
Insulation helps you to create a sustainable environment by reducing greenhouse gas, and it will reduce energy consumption in your home.
Use natural light
Natural light in our homes is very important. It reduces the need for artificial lighting, and it also helps with keeping our house warmer. Install as many windows and roof lights as possible.
Since the windows can be a weak point for air leakage, make sure you invest in double or triple glazed windows. They will also help with insulation in the house.
Use underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is a great choice for sustainable homes. Underfloor heating will be a great way to save money, and it produces cleaner and less polluted air. It will heat your space faster, and it regulates heat better in larger spaces.
Another great thing about underfloor heating is that it returns water to the ground after circulation, making it even more eco-friendly.
Buy second-hand furniture
Everyone loves to have nice furniture in their home. Still, your home can look really nice even by using second-hand furniture. You can purchase them in yard sales or antique stores. Otherwise, it’s better for the environment to reuse furniture than to buy new stuff.
Also, think about pieces you can use in multiple places or that are portable, like a portable workbench or a portable countertop, etc.