All Posts in "Month: January 2023"

Biophilic Design Elements in Sustainable Architecture

Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that incorporates nature and natural elements into building design. It aims to improve human well-being by creating a connection between the built environment and the natural world. Sustainable architecture is another approach that seeks to minimize the environmental impact of buildings. Using biophilic design elements in sustainable architecture creates a space that is not only sustainable but also supports human health and well-being. In this article, we will explore some of the key biophilic design elements that can be incorporated into sustainable architecture.

Natural Light and Views

One of the primary biophilic design elements in sustainable architecture is the use of natural light and views. Access to natural light and views of nature has been shown to improve human health and productivity. Large windows, skylights, and open layouts allow for increased natural light and views of surrounding natural environments. This not only connects the building’s occupants to nature but also reduces the need for artificial lighting, leading to energy savings.

Living Green Walls

Living green walls are a biophilic design element that is becoming increasingly popular in sustainable architecture. These vertical gardens are made up of live plants that grow vertically on the walls of a building. Living green walls provide several benefits, including enhancing indoor air quality, reducing noise levels, and improving mental well-being. The plants also act as natural insulation, reducing the energy needed to heat and cool the building.

Indoor-Outdoor Connection

Incorporating an indoor-outdoor connection into the design of a … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — January 20, 2023 in Green Architecture
How to Make Renewable Energy at Home

If you’re looking for a way to cut your energy bills, you may be interested in learning how to make renewable energy at home. There are several types of solar power systems that you can implement at your home. These include Photovoltaic, Microhydropower, and Small Wind electric systems.

Solar panels

Solar panels can be used for residential purposes, and they are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. You can even use them to power your entire home.

The average American household consumes 900 kilowatts (kWh) of electricity every month. Using solar energy will save you a significant amount of money. But, before you get too excited, you should make sure you’re prepared for the install.

To get started, you’ll want to gather some information on the different types of solar power. It will help you determine the right size of system for your needs. Some options include roof-mounted solar, ground-mounted solar, and a combination of the two.

You’ll also want to look into a few factors, including the size of your roof, the orientation of your home, and the weather you live in. These factors will affect how much you can offset your electric bill with solar.

One of the first things you should do is find a local contractor to install your solar panels. A good one will be familiar with your local regulations.

Small wind electric systems

Home wind electric systems are a way to generate clean electrical energy. They are also a renewable resource that … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — January 19, 2023 in GREEN HOME
Why Are Fires Common in Minnetonka?

If you live in Minnetonka, you may have heard many stories about the fires ravaging the area. You’ve probably seen pictures of fires burning in the woods and seen the videos of the fires in the news. But what is it that causes these fires to occur? According to fire damage restoration in Minnetonka experts, the leading cause of these fires is people burning without a permit. Several things can cause this. Some include house fires, burning in forests, and even fires caused by invasive species.

House fires

House fires are a dime a dozen, but there are some things you can do to help avoid them. Some of these include installing smoke detectors, keeping matches out of sight, and ensuring your family knows how to call for help.

The best way to prevent a fire from starting is to install an adequate number of smoke detectors. Each bedroom in your house should have one. In addition, invest in an ionization alarm, a smoke detector that emits a small number of negative ions.

There are many reasons to get a smoke detector, but the most important is that it can save your life. A smoke detector can double your chance of surviving a fire.

There is a big difference between a good smoke detector and a cheap knockoff. A good smoke detector can detect small fires before they spread. But, if your family cannot get out, it can be deadly.

Burning without a permit

If you have ever seen someone … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — January 17, 2023 in Home Product and Service
Eco-Friendly Construction Materials for Sustainable Buildings

Sustainable buildings are on the rise as environmental concerns continue to grow. Architects and builders are now more focused on constructing eco-friendly buildings that reduce carbon footprint and preserve natural resources. One crucial aspect of sustainable building practices is the use of eco-friendly construction materials. These materials not only contribute positively to the environment but also offer several long-term benefits. In this article, we will explore some of the top eco-friendly construction materials that can be used for sustainable buildings.

1. Recycled Steel

Recycled steel is an excellent option for sustainable construction. By utilizing steel from recycled sources, this construction material reduces the need for extracting and producing new steel, which significantly reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Recycled steel can be used in various aspects of construction, including building frames and foundations, providing durability and structural integrity to sustainable buildings.

2. Bamboo

Bamboo is a highly sustainable and rapidly renewable material for construction. It grows quickly, requiring minimal water and pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood. Bamboo can be used in many applications, such as flooring, wall panels, and furniture. Its strength and versatility make it an ideal choice for sustainable buildings.

3. Recycled Plastic Composite

Recycled plastic composite materials are made by combining recycled plastic with another material, such as wood, to create a durable and eco-friendly construction material. These materials possess excellent strength and can be used for decking, fencing, and exterior cladding. By incorporating recycled plastic into the construction process, we … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — January 14, 2023 in Green Building Concept
Eco Friendly House Ideas

Whether you want to build an eco friendly house from scratch or you are looking for ideas to renovate your existing home, there are plenty of ways to go green. For example, you can use straw bale construction, repurpose materials in your home, install solar panels, and more.

Wood

If you are looking for eco friendly house ideas, wood may be a good option. This building material has several benefits, including a low carbon footprint, higher performance than concrete, and easy recycling. Wood has also been proven to reduce water pollution.

Its light weight makes it an easy material to transport. It also helps to reduce air pollution. In fact, a single m3 of wood contains more than 750 kilograms of CO2. Compared to concrete, wood’s carbon footprint is smaller, reducing the need for a more efficient energy system.

Another benefit is its durability. It can stand up to a variety of forces, including fire and termites. Moreover, it can be treated with impregnation, coating, or drying to make it resistant to damage.

Straw bale construction

Straw bale construction for eco friendly house ideas is a sustainable method of building that can save you a lot of energy over conventional buildings. But it is not without its challenges.

In order to be successful, you need to consider a number of factors. First, you must build your house within a reasonable budget. This means that you must be able to secure financing for the project. Next, you need to be able … READ MORE ...

Emily Burgman by — January 6, 2023 in Eco Friendly Homes