The Rising Trend of Sustainability in Design

There are always trends coming and going in the world of home design, but one niche quickly gaining ground is sustainable design: the practice of creating structures that reduce negative impacts on the environment. This presents itself in different ways, such as better built homes which lower energy consumption to homes built with green materials from responsible sources. The art of sustainable design is going to lead to the production of even more Architecturally Unique Homes™ in the future.

A huge aspect of sustainable design is advancements in building materials. Even if the physical design of a home may not be able to be altered, the use of more green materials can be. There are three main ways in which sustainable design has changed material selection.

1.  Modified Materials

Manufacturers are noting the swing towards green and are producing products to match this demand. Classic materials like wood, for instance, have been given a whole new effect through careful modification processes. Modified wood is the perfect example of how an organic material may be changed into a product better than its original form. Modified wood is still real wood, but far more dense, durable and long-lasting than regular wood.

The result is a product that still looks natural, but will outperform the majority of wood competitors. While it is still made of wood, the increased longevity helps ensures a longer-lasting design, making it a more sustainable option. Better yet, the modification process allows this wood to be used decoratively as well as structurally, for both interior and exterior needs.

2.  Recycled Products

There are two ways in which recycling positively affects the environment in building design. First, the use of recycled products helps reduce the need to consume new materials. Second, using materials capable of future recycling helps eliminate waste. Expansive homes, perhaps those with home theaters or studios, may need acoustic panels to reduce acoustic. Opting for a product made of recycled plastic is a more eco-friendly choice.

The use of wood within home decor is common and one of the best means of getting the wood wall look is to use reclaimed wood walls panels. These panels are reclaimed from old structures and given new life through a basic manufacturing process. The result is beautifully rich, weathered wood that can be added with minimal effort and without an intrusive remodel. Remodels bring material waste and tend to be avoided when possible in sustainable design.

3.  Smarter Choices

Another aspect of sustainable design is choosing materials based on their performance rather than their look alone. The ideal home will be built based on region specifics rather than what is simply popular. For example, harsh weather conditions can wreak havoc on home exteriors that aren’t designed for extremes. In this case opt for steel siding designed for residential use.

Selecting materials based on performance first and their usability in the specific region eliminates the need for repairs and excessive consumption of new materials being needed to replace the old. It also goes without saying that from the perspective of a homeowner, if a house’s exterior can handle the climate and is designed for the temperatures commonly encountered, energy bills will be lowered.

The future of sustainability in design is promising and seemingly limitless. Not only will awareness of environmental effects of housing change up the way homes are built structurally, there is also going to be advancement in green materials. Whether a homeowner or a homebuyer, being aware of the importance of sustainable design and what to look for in more eco-conscious homes is beneficial.

Matt Lee is the Founder of Lead Generation Experts. Founded in 2012, Lead Generation Experts helps businesses improve their digital marketing strategy.