The science of a happy home

Advice Center, The science of a happy home

Everything to know about an Eco-house

What is an eco-house?   

An eco-house is an environmentally low-impact home. Designed and built using materials and technology that reduces its carbon footprint and lowers its energy needs. Eco-homes are important to the environment because they meet the sustainable needs. For example,  

  • Reducing waste by re-using and recycling materials.  
  • Energy generation  
  • Controlling pollution  
  • Water conservation 

Why are they important?  

There designed to have little impact on the planet. Standard homes burn fossil fuels for power and heat; however, the fuels are the leading cause of climate change. Whereas, eco-friendly homes are all about being energy efficient and using natural materials.  

The 3 key elements to most eco homes –  

Renewable energy –  

Firstly, a renewable electricity supply is vital for an eco-house. The most popular way to generate your own electricity is by installing solar panels. Initially, solar panels can be quite expensive, however, in the long run, you will be saving loads.  

Insulation –  

Eco-houses hold onto heat better. In addition, insulation, airtightness, and double/ triple glazed windows are important in sustainable designs. By creating an insulated, airtight house regulates its own temperature. In addition, meaning you won’t need a boiler or a heating system. 

Sustainable materials –  

Finally, an eco-house is one fully built from sustainably sourced and natural materials. Wood is used to build timber frames of eco-houses. It is best to use recycled materials, instead of getting brand ones.  

Benefits of eco-houses –  

  • Lower energy bills  
  • Less maintenance works  
  • Better air quality  
  • Higher property value  
  • Innovative design  

How much does it cost to build an eco-house?  

The price of your eco-house will depend on the size, location, and whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an old property. In addition, Eco-houses can be very expensive. However, it is proven that in the long term they are actually cheaper.  

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The science of a happy home

Don’t move, improve! important things to know about internal reno

Internal renovation is a great way to transform your home without having to feel the need of moving or extending. You can really change the appearance of the house and make the most out of the current space you have.  

Will you need building regulations?  

Whenever you are thinking to do internal renovations, you need to make sure that you are compliant with building regulations. This is to ensure that people’s safety and welfare are protected when the building commences.  

You may need to check if your property is a listed building. This is because it is an offense that can end in a fine. If you damage or change a listed building without listed building consent.  

If you hire a tradesperson who is registered then they can self-certify their work complies with building regulations. Instead of having to submit a building notice.  

Internal reno property pros and cons –  

Pros –  

  • More space. – When you start a renovation project you often think about the layout and how much space you can achieve if you move things around. It also helps you to find everything a home, so that the place looks bigger and cleaner.  
  • Increases natural light and ventilation. – Adding larger windows, doors, and skylights, can massively improve the amount of light and fresh air that’s getting into your home.  
  • Adding features. – Adding new features is a great way to renovate your home. For example, adding extra storage, changing the stair design, or even improving different rooms in your homes.  
  • Increases the home value. – If you get help from a professional all of these renovations, can help increase the value of the house by thousands.  

Cons – 

  • Not all internal walls can be removed. – If you are hoping of going for an open planned space it may be hard if structural walls are in place. Structural walls cannot be moved easily, which means renovations can be limited.  
  • Messy and noisy. – You might need to move out of your home temporarily if you don’t like loud noises or mess.  
  • Planning and building regs approval. – You may need to apply for permission for work to be carried out, which could take a long time and might not get approved.  

How much would internal renovations cost?  

The price of a renovation project will vary depending on the scale and work being done. You also need to factor in the services you take out. For example, an architect, structural engineer, builder, and so on. Prices may also depend on where in the country you live. The closer to London you live the pricier it would be.  

Interior renovation

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Architecture & Building, The science of a happy home

Designing A Home For People With Disabilities

For those who have a  disability, the opportunity to adapt their house or create some more space could dramatically improve their quality of life. However, the inclusive design goes much further than making a house wheelchair-friendly. 

Willingness to make a house useable to the greatest extent to every individual. Regardless of their physical condition and ability leads to the development of an idea called “universal design” for homes.  

What is universal design?  

Universal design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people. Regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability.   

Making a more accessible home –  

Building an accessible home could mean catering for those with impaired movement, failing eyesight, or reduced hearing. You may need to make your home accessible if you have become temporarily disabled. For example getting an injury, illness, or even pregnancy.

Movability within and outside the home – 

People with limited mobility may find standard homes a little too cramped and hard to move around in. Wheelchair users need their homes to be wider than usual. A good way to ensure that limited space doesn’t become an issue is by creating an open-plan space. By having an open plan living area, you would be able to get around easier if you struggle with mobility, or impaired senses.  

You should replace all doorknobs with lever handles. So, that they can be used by everyone. They can be easily grabbed by a person with arthritis or Parkinson’s issues. They can also be opened with an elbow if need be.   

The outside designs need to offer straightforward access between the car and the house. The driveway and pavement leading to the house should be wider than a traditional house. And there should be a ramp instead of stairs leading to the house. 

Building an inclusive layout –  

Having a standard layout will not work with a wide majority of disabled people, the goal is to make sure those with reduced mobility can use everything in the house. 

 Storage is a big thing to keep in mind when designing this type of house. Having plenty of built-in storage is useful because it helps to avoid clutter.

Including a wet room is great for accessibility because the shower area can be an extra maneuvering zone. Plus they allow for someone to wash while seated.  

Installing handrails and bars to hold on to all over the house will also be beneficial to the people living in the house.   

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Architecture & Building, The science of a happy home

The Complete Ultimate Guide To A Tiny House

If you want the independence of owning your own home but don’t quite have the facilities to do so yet a tiny house is a great option. This is because it is a creative way to address the lack of affordable living and reduces living costs   

What is tiny house?  

A structure is considered a tiny house when it is less than 40 square meters. While they are much smaller than a typical home, they provide the benefits and comforts of larger homes. They can often include a full kitchen, Livingroom, and bathrooms, and also bedrooms that can fit a queen-size bed. So even though the structure is small you can still have a lot of what a normal house would have.  

Tiny house movement –  

There is a movement called the tiny house movement that started in the 1970s. It is an architectural and social movement that advocates for downsizing living spaces and essentially living with less. The movement was also regarded as a potential eco-friendly solution to the housing industry. It is also a feasible option for individuals who are homeless or have a lack of shelter. 

Just like what the movement is trying to help with it is a necessity for some people who can’t afford a typical house. People who want tiny houses can build their own homes and have some fun with them. The houses are usually around 40 square meters or less. And if you decide to build one yourself you could do it for less than £7,200. Whereas if you buy one the average price is around £35,000. 

Some people build their home on a trailer base so it becomes a towable vehicle because it avoids the complications of a permanent home with foundations. It will also free up some of your time because you won’t have to spend as much time working. And that is because you will not have an obligation to pay off a mortgage. You will also then have more time to spend with your friends and family and will be outside more.  

Why a tiny home might not be for you:  

  • It is a niche market and could be a risky investment 
  • You can still live small by adopting a minimal lifestyle at home.  
  • The majority of homes can only accommodate only one or two residents 
  • You would have to minimise your stuff and maybe get rid of a lot of things 
  • The supply is high but the demand is small, and it might take a while to resell it.  
  • It will be hard to host or entertain overnight guests.  
  • An average home allows buyers to grow into. A tiny home limits lifestyle. 
A Tiny House

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