Are you considering building a house? We’ve all been there dreaming about our perfect home but very few of us ever get around to building it. But if you’re one of the lucky few who’ve managed to raise the funds and are ready to take the plunge then now might be the time to start thinking about what type of building materials you are going to use.
In the age of the climate emergency using green building materials is a must. But where do you begin and what are the best materials to use? Here’s all about sustainable building materials.
Recycled Building Materials
The best materials are recyclable. You can find new woods and metal that are recyclable as well as wood or even metals that have been used in a previous building. You can use this to build the structure of the house or even in the interior for floors or fittings.
However, there are a number of things you need to look out for. Unlike new wood, if you are going to use recycled wood then you need to ensure that it can stand the load of your building. Over time it loses energy and you need to be careful about the individual logs you are using.
Be prepared to ask important questions about each piece of wood you are using such as its technical specifications and how many times it has been used before. Always consult a structural engineer in conjunction with your architect when making decisions.
Bamboo
Want to feel as if you are in the jungle, away from the hustle and bustle of the city in your new home? Then consider using bamboo to build your home. It’s a great way of using sustainable material that is surprisingly strong. It is still in common use in South East Asia for a reason. If you want to learn more about sustainability then be sure to check out this article.
When you start to consider the interior furnishings you could consider bamboo bed sheets as it is such a versatile material.
If you’re not a fan of having bamboo on show in your house – maybe it doesn’t fit with your aesthetic -then it can also be covered easily even though it is doing much of the structural work in the house. Think about bamboo floorboards or bamboo joists.
The great thing about bamboo is that it can be replanted quite easily as it grows quite fast unlike other trees which can take years even decades to grow.
Green Building Materials: There’s No Excuse
As we all start to think about the climate and the environment more carefully, there is little excuse not to use green building materials.
Many materials such as bamboo can give your house an intriguing jungle feel. But if that doesn’t fit with your aesthetic then it can be hidden even though it’s doing most of the work in terms of the structure.
If you are interested in reading more about green building materials or sustainable materials then be sure to check out the rest of our site.
