You want to create a sustainable custom home but you don’t even know where to begin? No need to look further. This guide will take you step-by-step through the entire process of designing a sustainable home. From choosing eco-friendly materials to reducing wasted resources, we’ll cover it all.

If you are just getting started or have been doing this for a long time and want to step it up, then read on!

Why should you care about sustainable design?

Sustainable homes are designed with the environment at heart. It is designed to minimize waste and use resources efficiently. As we have already mentioned, the impact of our homes on the environment is significant. Construction and demolition of houses produce large amounts of waste. The materials used to build traditional homes often contain hazardous chemicals.

There are many good reasons to select a sustainable design for your home. The most important reasons are:

• You and your family will be healthier
• Save money on your energy bills
• Environmentally friendly
• Sustainable homes are good for your health as well as the health of the planet.
• You won’t be exposed to harmful chemicals or pollutants in a sustainable house.
• You don’t need to worry that much about precious resources like energy and water.

If you want to lead a healthier lifestyle, then a green design for your custom built home will be the best choice!

At first, creating a sustainable house can be daunting. How can you make your home more eco-friendly? What simple steps can you take?

Start here! It’s time to start learning how to design a sustainable home. Start by assessing your lifestyle and current needs. What are your top priorities? What are your priorities? Simple adjustments can make a big difference from an environmental perspective.

Simple changes like LED lighting can make a big difference. These lights consume up to 80% fewer energy than traditional lighting. It will save you money and be a sustainable option.

Do a home audit and determine what you can reuse or recycle. You may be able to donate old appliances or furniture. Find a way to reuse them or, even better, donate them.

You can make your house more sustainable in many ways. It’s not hard to make your home more sustainable.

Here are some ways you can create a sustainable custom home.

Reduce your energy consumption

Simply put, energy conservation is the process of optimizing how you use your energy. It is good for the environment, and it will save you money on energy bills.

You can reduce your energy consumption by:

• Install a thermostat that can be programmed: This thermostat will save you 30% on your electricity bill.
• Sealing air leaks can save you a lot of money in the long run. Sealing air leaks can save you money over time.

Use energy-efficient fixtures

Install a low-flow showerhead or a rain barrel if you want to reduce your water usage.

Here are a few simple tips on how to save energy at home. 

• Recycle or reuse old household items
• Many things around your home can be re-used, which is a good way to begin a sustainable design project.
• As you become more familiar with sustainable design, start with the simple steps and work up to larger changes.
• Recycle newspapers, cardboard and plastics
• Repurpose furniture in your home by giving it a different purpose or painting it in a new colour.
• Recycle your clothes into rugs and quilts

There are many possibilities when it comes down to recycling materials and repurposing household items. Just a little creativity and imagination are needed.

Materials that are eco-friendly have either been recycled or derived from natural resources. They are not harmful to the environment when used and thrown away. Local materials also have a positive effect on new home construction. They reduce transportation costs, and they improve the local economy. You can choose from a variety of sustainable materials when you design your home.

Layout

When building a home, you should consider the structure and layout of your house to get maximum energy efficiency. You can, for example, choose windows that face south to benefit from passive solar heating during the winter as well as natural light. Avoid long corridors when it comes to layout. Instead, try to create smaller spaces. This will reduce your energy consumption and help prevent heat loss.

When building a sustainable house, here are a few things to consider:

The climate in which you live

Consider using the sun in a climate that is cold. This can be done by placing large windows on your house’s south side. Use trees to block the sun and create shade if you live in a hot climate. Remember that the sun will be higher in summer and lower in winter. A tarp will help maximize your sun exposure during the winter months and reduce it during the summer.

Natural ventilation

Natural ventilation is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to create a sustainable home. You can save energy by using cross-ventilation and stack ventilation. They will also provide you with fresh, clean air in your home while removing toxic air. Natural ventilation is not only a healthier choice, but it’s also an economical one. Install operable windows or fans, or create atriums and courtyards to benefit from the natural breezes.

Consider the Size

Although everyone wants to build a big custom home in Myrtle Beach, with all the space and luxury it offers, smaller homes have many advantages. They’re also much easier to maintain. It’s easier to keep them clean and organized with fewer rooms. These homes are also more energy efficient and less expensive to build and maintain. All these factors are important to consider when designing a house.

Use energy-efficient technologies

Technology is your best friend when it comes to sustainable design. Use energy-efficient technology in your home, such as geothermal heating and cooling systems or LED lighting. You’ll save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint! Sustainable living and energy-efficient design go hand in glove. Using efficient appliances and heating will reduce the environmental impact of your home.

Solar Panels

Solar power is one of the most popular and sustainable technologies. Solar panels installed on your roof allow you to produce your own electricity using the sun’s rays. This will reduce your dependence on the grid. Many governments offer tax incentives and other incentives that make solar energy more affordable. Renewable energy sources should be used by new homeowners from the start of construction, as they are more easily implemented at this stage.

Rainwater collection

Rainwater harvesting is another sustainable technology that has become more popular. It involves collecting rainwater from your roof, storing it, and using it later for purposes such as flushing the toilet or watering your plants. This will not only save you money but also water.

Install a green roofing

Consider installing a green roofing system if you are serious about sustainable home design. A green roof has vegetation on it, and this helps to keep the building warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This also improves the air quality and reduces runoff. They can be more expensive upfront and require more maintenance than other roofs.

Smart home features 

Smart home features have become a popular trend in sustainable home design. They can save you a lot on utility bills. Smart plugs and programmable thermostats are two popular features that help you save energy. Smart lighting allows you to control the brightness and turn the lights on and off. It can be useful when the normal intensity of light is too bright and you want to have some. The newer technologies offer you energy monitoring as well, which will give you reports on where you are losing money. This tool is perfect for optimizing your house and identifying the issues so that you can fix them.

Create a living green wall in your home

Living walls can bring nature into your home and help you make it more sustainable. By removing volatile organic compounds, they can improve productivity, mental well-being, and air quality. They also act as an insulation and reduce noise levels in your home, making it more quiet and peaceful.

Create a home gardening

Home gardens can be both functional and aesthetic. You will be able to grow your own food and save money on grocery items that aren’t natural. A garden is also a great way to stay active. It’s also a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends.

What is the most eco-friendly house design?

The answer to this question is not a one-size-fits-all, because the best home design depends on your location and climate. There are certain types of houses that tend to be more environmentally friendly than others. The type of house that is best for you will depend on your needs and where you plan to settle. It is important to realize that living sustainably and having a sustainable house does not mean giving up your entire lifestyle.

There are many ways to make an apartment more sustainable, even if you live in the city. It’s not difficult to design a sustainable home. You can make your home more environmentally friendly without spending much money or making major changes. You can start with a few of these tips to see if they are useful. Then, you can continue adding more until you have a home that is as sustainable and energy-efficient as you desire.

Call Dawol Homes now if you need professional help in building and designing your dream home.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about custom-built homes.

Dawol Homes
9404 Hwy 17 Bypass,
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
(843) 294-2859

Dawol Homes Sales Office
3100 Dick Pond Rd # E
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
843-294-2859

We build homes in: Cypress River Plantation, Waterway Palms, Waterbridge, Murrells Inlet, Collins Creek, Bellwood Landing, Carolina Forest, Plantation Lakes, North Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Surfside Beach, Pawleys Island, Litchfield Plantation