Sustainable Design in High-End Homes: Incorporating Eco-Friendly Features

Sustainability and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive features – in fact, the best high-end homes incorporate eco-friendly features and principles throughout the entire design, resulting in luxury spaces that don’t hurt the planet. 

Climate responsible design is here to stay, with an increasing number of homeowners looking to minimise their carbon footprint by relying on sustainable resources to build and power their home. The benefits go beyond environmental – sustainable homes can improve the quality of your day-to-day life, lower expenses and increase comfort, without compromising on style or function.

Whether you’re looking to build or renovate, we’ve compiled six ways you can integrate sustainability into your high-end home.

Passive design principles

The most effective sustainable features are integrated from the very initial stages of the design process. Passive design considers where your new home sits in relation to the natural world – where does the sun set and rise? How much shade will your new home get? What’s the wind direction? 

Answering these questions will help you (or your builder and architect) decide how to orient your home and where to place windows, doors and walls. Ideally, the building should receive the maximum amount of sun in the winter, and reduce the amount of sun in the summer. In Sydney, this means large windows and walls to the north of your home, while limiting direct-sun exposure to the east and west through strategic shading. This helps maintain an even internal temperature year round and reduces the need for artificial sources of heating and cooling. 

Ventilation and air flow is a key element of passive design – by placing windows and doors in the right place, you can ensure there’s always fresh air coming into your home, cooling it down come hot summer days. 

Solar energy 

Sustainability doesn’t just include limiting energy use – it also encompasses where you source your energy. In a country with as much sunshine, solar panels are almost a no-brainer for a high-end home, as they provide a way to harness natural resources without impacting the planet. The technology for both the panels and batteries are better than ever, with options that integrate seamlessly into your home’s exterior. For the best results, consider where the panels are likely to receive the most sun before installation. 

Materials 

Your choice of materials can make a huge impact on the carbon footprint of your home. If raw timber and stone are part of your design, consider sourcing recycled or second-hand in order to salvage materials that would otherwise be going to waste. These features can often add character to your home, along with recycled fixtures and fittings. Vintage items like door handles and light fittings were often designed to last, using high-quality materials, making them a perfect addition to your new home. 

When finalising the design of your home, look to incorporate ‘green’ materials that emit little to no toxins and have minimal pollutants. This could include recycled metal, rammed earth, bamboo, hempcrete, cork or natural stone. In particular, bamboo, stones and reclaimed wood are great options for your flooring, combining form and function without costing the earth. 

Consider the effect of the material on your home’s ongoing comfort levels – for example, when masonry (i.e. concrete or brick) is exposed to the sun, it absorbs and stores heat, helping to cool down a room in summer. 

Insulation and windows 

There’s no point investing in passive design, solar panels and sustainable materials if you neglect two of the most important elements of an environmentally friendly home. 

Windows can fill your home with natural light, but also make a huge difference to the internal temperature of your home. Ensure that all windows – especially any floor-to-ceiling options – are double or triple-glazed to prevent heat escaping in the winter and overheating in the summer. This can also help reduce noise pollution – especially important if you live in a busy area. 

Insulation is just as significant when it comes to your high-end home. By investing in high-quality sustainable insulation such as sheep’s wool, you’ll ensure that your home is comfortable year round, reducing your reliance on artificial heating or cooling sources. 

Energy efficient appliances and fixtures

Make sure every base is covered in your sustainable home by prioritising energy-efficient appliances, fixtures and fittings. This could include anything from water-saving showerheads, flow-controlled taps and LED lightbulbs, to water-saving dishwashers and washing machines. When choosing appliances, opt for those with a six-star energy rating in order to limit usage.

Rooftop and vertical gardens

A sustainable home is a great opportunity to get creative with your landscaping! Rooftop and vertical gardens are a great way to increase new sources of carbon-dioxide-absorbing plant life into your home, while also giving you a chance to grow your own produce. Grow basil, mint or parsley in your vertical garden, or take it one step further with a rooftop space that could include a mix of fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes or spinach. More generally, consider how you can introduce natural shading into any outdoor spaces – this will help keep both indoor and outdoor living areas cool. 

To discuss how we can help you incorporate eco-friendly features into your dream home, contact us today.