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Eco houses – the zeitgeist du jour! They are ultra-fashionable, environmentally conscious, and continuously cost-effective… it’s not hard to see why they’re so popular! We’ve gathered together some of our favourite eco houses for you to enjoy, so take a look and get inspired!
Stuttgart Solar Home
Designed by the forward-thinkers at Stuttgart University in Germany, this house actually generates more energy than it requires. For the coin-conscious of you out there, that means that this house can make you money!
By making the body of the house from glass, it has been possible to coat it with a photovoltaic material that creates a glittering atmosphere both inside and outside — who knew being green could be so glam? Just don’t go making a coffee in your smalls — a glass house doesn’t offer a great deal of privacy! The house uses a varied selection of materials, all of which are recyclable, to make it as eco-friendly as possible. By using solar panels and air-transporting energy towers, it is a hub of environmentally minded ideas to keep it as friendly to the planet as it can be.
The Komb House
Designed by one of the most prolific designers of our time, Karim Rashid, the Komb House in Cairo not only looks fantastic, but is super eco-friendly too. By harvesting rainwater and making the most of wind-generated energy, this house uses nature to provide as much as it possibly can. Made from recyclable materials and incorporating raised radiant flooring and LED lighting, this house has been thoughtfully planned and constructed to be both practical and beautiful, with a distinct nod to both cubist and pop-art influences. Just the right balance of fashion and function!
Stacking Green
This impressive concept was developed in Vietnam, and caters perfectly for the location. It works in height rather than width, which works well with the space issues that Vietnam often encounters.
The main feature of the building is, of course, the presence of greenery creating a vertical garden. This encourages ventilation and offers privacy while still filtering in natural light throughout the space. The design focuses on saving energy, a big problem in Vietnamese buildings, and also offers a unique and interesting living space.
The Eco Arch
If you’re a GrandDesigns fanatic, this one may well look rather familiar! Constructed in Kent, this house utilises the environment in multiple ways to be as eco-friendly as possible. The clay tile arch is home to a rooftop garden that allows wild grasses and flowers to seed, creating a natural habitat for local wildlife. The main structure of the house features large south-facing windows, to make the most of natural light and heat. By making the construction airtight and highly insulated, any heat gained is heat stored! This house challenges the conventions of a normal build, and proves that being environmentally conscious can give you the home of your dreams.
If you’re feeling the strings of inspiration take effect, why not plan your own eco-build? New technologies make it easier than ever, and you’ll end up saving a fortune in living costs in the long run. Plus, it absolutely counts as a good deed too!
