Photo Credit: “194. Home Builders Embrace Net-Zero with New Labelling Program.” Green
Energy Futures, 10 May 2018,
www.greenenergyfutures.ca/episode/171-home-builders-embrace-net-zero-labelling.
Biophilic Homes
What is a Biophilic Home?
Biophilic homes encompass features which are incorporated through color, water,
sound, air, plants, and animals.
Most biophilic designs include natural patterns and processes which evoke human
emotion.
Specifically arches, vaults, and domes invoke human emotion.
Why Have a Biophilic Home?
In most biophilic homes light and space also vary in terms of their
effectiveness
in influencing the way in which we react to them.
Most of these designs create a closer connection of humans to the natural world.
Biophilic homes aim to reach a design that includes historical, cultural,
geographical, spiritual, and/or ecological features in order to strengthen a
human’s
relationship with their surrounding natural environment.
Neutral Homes
What are Neutral Homes?
Neutral homes, also known as zero-energy or net-zero homes, leave no carbon
footprint behind.
They contain solar panels, tight insulation, and water pumps, which are important
bio-friendly features.
These home significantly decrease the heating needs required in a regular home.
They are also cost-friendly.
Why Have a Neutral Homes?
Neutral homes are available in any shape and style which can fit the owner's
lifestyle.
They are able to withstand any climate from places such as Arizona to Alaska.
Neutral homes leave the owner of the house with a net zero energy bill.
These neutral homes are high quality homes, as they are comfortable, healthy, quiet,
and
sustainable to live in.
Prefabricated Houses
What are Prefabricated Houses?
A prefabricated home, also known as a prefab home, is built in a factory and shipped to
the
location desired.
Prefab houses utilize measurements which are exact to ensure that there is no waste
left
over in the process.
Prefab homes have less waste associated with them, which is beneficial for the
environment.
Some prefab homes are constructed with eco-friendly solar panels.
Why Choose Prefabricated Houses
Prefabricated houses can come in various luxury designs.
and can be very cost-effective with a price range of $10,000 to $15,000
They are constructed in a short amount of time compared to traditional homes, since
they are much less labor-intensive. Prefab
homes on average are finished in around 5 months since, with the earliest homes
being constructed in 2
months.
In addition, prefab homes have a lower average permit value. The average permit
value for a
prefab home is $76.80 per square, while a traditional home has an average permit
value of per square foot.
Earthship Homes
What are Earthship Homes?
Earthship homes are made from self-recycled or natural material, which is
beneficial to the environment.
These homes are able to use less energy and are more
cost-friendly.
They are self sustaining systems, meaning that they can last for a long time;
they are
durable.
They are able to derive energy from solar or wind power with small scale windmills and solar
panels.
Earthship homes can also be built in convenient locations which can allow the home owner to grow self-sustainable vegetable gardens allowing them to harvest their food naturally from rain or nearby rivers/streams.
Why Have a Earthship Home?
An example of Earthship homes is found in the famous Great Wall of China.
Construction methods similarly used for Earthship homes were applied during the
construction of the Great Wall Of China. This type of construction makes these homes very resistant to weathering.
In addition, their electrical needs are 25% less than that of a conventional home, and
they also require an entire kilowatt less amount of energy.
The walls of an Earthship home range from 19-24 inches of thickness, making it
extremely quiet and able to quickly
adapt to changes in noise levels. There are little no caveats in regards to compatibility with the home owner in owning an Earthship home besides their cost and mortgages.