Tag: eco homes

Architecture & Building

Advantages and disadvantages of Shipping container homes 

4th November 20220

Shipping container homes have become increasingly more popular over the years. This is because living a more sustainable and cheaper life is becoming more people each day.  

What are shipping container homes? 

If you have never heard of this type of home, they are exactly what they sound like. They are houses typically made up of multiple shipping containers joined together.  

Shipping container sizes –  

Shipping containers come in a range of different sizes. The most common types are 10ft, 20ft and 40ft. A 20ft container can hold up to a 3-bedroom home and have enough room to store all of your furniture, boxes, and appliance, too. Also, these storage containers measure 20’ long, 8’ wide, and 8.5’ tall. 

How much do they cost? 

Furthermore, the total average cost of for a DIY shipping container home in the UK is between £20,000- £80,000.  

Advantages of container homes –  

They are prefab –  

Shipping container homes are available as prefabricated modular homes, meaning construction time shorter. Building inspections are completed at the factory, and this simplifies and speeds up the process. Some companies advertise delivery in under 10 weeks. 

Environmentally friendly-  

Container homes are often labelled as being environmentally friendly because firstly, you’re recycling, which is one of the greenest things you can do. Secondly, you are saving metal resources.  

Easy to transport –  

Because shipping container have been around a while there are experienced delivery systems in place to make the move easy as possible. Once they get to your property it is a quick and simple process of constructing them.  

Disadvantages of container homes –  

Structural issues-  

In addition, if you want to stack the containers to create a larger home, you may have to weld them together. So, this process can be costly.  

Safety concerns –  

Usually, you would be unaware of what was once shipped in the containers such as, hazardous materials. The paints and finishes used on containers are industrial, and not for residential homes, so that they could contain toxic pesticides. 

Photo : studiokfa

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Advice Center, The science of a happy home

Everything to know about an Eco-house

6th January 20220

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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