Top Eco-friendly Materials for Green Architecture
Since most people these days are quite concerned about our environment, specialists working in the field of green architecture also take note of the possible solutions as they provide us with a selection of eco-friendly materials. Also known as the sustainable architecture approach, you can use both natural and recycled materials as you design your dream home and strive to keep the construction process as eco-efficient as you possibly can. If we take an even deeper look at the current state of things, it also makes it possible to lower energy consumption and even contribute to the sound and energy insurance of the building.
Since the talk will go about green architectural materials, everything will tend to look rather rustic and almost antique. As you use all the simple materials, you also have a unique opportunity to design your home according to a castle-like project or even create a true treehouse based on your childhood dreams and prior camping experiences.
Photo by Rural Explorer
Choosing Top Eco-friendly Materials for Green Architecture
Stone Structures
As you might already know, stone does not require much care, with only additional cleaning over time. It can help to reduce the final cost, considering the durability. Depending on the climate zone, the chances are still high that it will fit the environment. The presence of fire-resisting qualities is also important. The best part, however, is that you can use what is left after the construction works in terms of spare parts, so you can use it for other design purposes or even decorate the interior parts of your home. Most importantly, no toxic chemicals are being released, and you will avoid further decorations or the use of paint.
Cob
If you are a total beginner wishing to enter the green architecture territory, exploring construction work with Cob is one of the options to consider. In simple terms, the talk goes about a special mixture that will look like mud to most people. It contains soil, sand, straw elements, and even lime, depending on the region. The most important aspect is the affordability and the fact that it's energy-efficient due to heat distribution and regulation of indoor temperatures. If you wish to save some funds on electric bills, this is the way to go. Speaking of saving time and nerves, if you are a student, you may approach the best essay writing reviews and see how you can study anywhere, as long as you have Internet access and an online course that supports remote education.
Bamboo
You might be surprised to find that Bamboo actually has an even greater tensile strength than constructions that implement steel. Now this natural material can withstand specific compression in a better way than most concrete solutions. If durability matters to you, it is the way to go. Another benefit is the weight, as it's easy in terms of logistics to get your materials and deliver them to almost any construction site. Just think about how one can work with various sections. It is a great time-saver and a possibility to create a distinctive style that will make your home stand out from the rest!
Cork
When it comes to the promotion of eco-friendly materials, the use of cork is not often mentioned, which is a great omission. Still, as we explore the role of education that is based on environmental principles, it must be noted that cork is used as an explanation for thermal insulation and an example of mold-resistant material. It becomes possible thanks to the porous construction that helps to resist mildew and the risks related to mold. In the majority of cases, you will be dealing with a frame home, which often means having to pay more. It’s one of the best green solutions currently used in Europe.
Adobe Brick
If you are concerned about noise while living in the countryside or even in urban territories, the problem of sound transmission can be significant. Now, this is where Adobe Brick can help you due to its natural sound protection. It is currently used in business offices all over the world. Another benefit of this material is the possibility of innovative and creative designs. The talk here goes about mud bricks that have been made dry by the sun, which improves the ways how they can be cut and shaped. It allows professional architects to design odd shapes that are also known as "adobe homes". You can visit the SouthWestern architecture of the United States to get a better idea of what it looks like in practice!
Straw Bale
Before you dismiss this type of eco-friendly material, you should remember that it is like a renewable energy source. Since straw can be easily found in the rural areas of the United States and Canada, you can take your environmental responsibility to another level. If you need a wall foundation or have structural concerns in terms of insurance, straw bale constructions are also more resistant to fire, even when compared with traditional solutions. It is also quite cheap and can be tested even before you start construction work. If you are looking for a country house or need something that is cost-effective, look no further.
Cordwood
Cordwood construction is another amazing option to consider! Once again, we are dealing with a low-cost solution. If you take a look at the times of the Great Depression, you will notice how the practice of Cordwood masonry has helped quite a lot! Now as things are much better in terms of economy and possibilities, it has been learned about the thermal efficiency factor. You can enjoy insulation from the times of the heat and the cold, depending on the time of the year. If you are planning to add solar energy to your dream home, it will help you to enjoy it even more. Remember to check masonry home permissions in your state before you start, and the rest should be a breeze!
Earth Bags Approach
Since the subject of insulation has already been discussed, it would be wrong to ignore earth or sandbags. The trick here is to fill them with materials like crushed volcanic stone. In addition to the natural insulation, you will also improve your health as it's a natural material. As for being eco-friendly, it is also recommended to source earthbags in the local area, thus saving funds in terms of transportation and using what nature has already provided you with.
Mycelium Mushroom Roots
According to scientists, Mycelium is believed to be even stronger than concrete. The chances are high that you have already heard about this relatively new lightweight material. It’s quite easy to transport, and this material can be found basically anywhere. If you choose it as your construction material, think about the use of bricks made out of this material. As an organic formation, it’s also a breathing material that meets ecological standards. If you are unsure about the benefits and the design possibilities, you may explore CADdetails.com as a great solution. The only problem is that you may not be able to find an insurance agent that will know this material well, yet it surely becomes the future of construction.
Upcycled Plastic
Remember that the talk goes on recycled plastic with a much lesser environmental impact! As a non-toxic recycled material, it does not ask for being sprayed with preservatives that always contain toxins. No need for that here! In addition to that, recycled plastic bricks will help you to save time. If you have ever played with Lego bricks as a child (or with your kids!), you will already know how things work.
Addressing Home Insurance Matters
While the use of eco-friendly materials can help you reduce the cost of construction and many other things, the use of natural materials paired with solar energy and similar renewable resources can become problematic in regard to insurance. It all comes down to the use of elements that you use because green building practices are approached differently by insurance agents. Now, if this aspect poses a serious concern for you, it is always good to check things twice before you start just to be on the safe side of things.
Additionally, you may receive special insurance discounts for a green building project as long as you choose to use materials with low or zero volatile organic compound emissions. This way, your green architecture will classify as an environmentally-friendly project. When insurance companies approach such a building with all documentation and construction standards, they notice the presence of non-toxic content and the environmental care factor, thus reducing the final cost and offering better and safer home insurance plans.
Author: Jodi Williams
Cover image by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
