So – you want an eco home? We’re never really sure what a client is asking from when it comes to eco homes. So help us out: define what you mean when you say ‘eco home’.
Is it a home that is economical to run, using less energy than ‘standard’ homes and ideally generating some of its own energy from the wind or the sun?
Is it a home built entirely with sustainable products? Stuff like straw, timber, recycled newspaper, sheep’s wool, recycled glass and anything that was something else before it’s what it is now?
Is one of the key components of an eco home thermal mass? How about solar gain?
We have a far more down-to-earth approach than most designers when it comes to building an eco home. Whilst all of the things mentioned above are relevant to some extent, many people fail to consider embodied energy – something that really shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re serious about an eco home.