Green, eco-friendly and energy efficient housing is growing and scaling in Australia. Increased use of renewable energy has been supported by State Government rebates and initiatives for homeowners, and thanks to technological advancements, incorporating eco-friendly aspects into the home have become easy and affordable.
Whether you've already jumped on the bandwagon or you're just going to dip your toes in the latest trends, here are few housing trends that will save you money and are shaping the Australian real estate market:
Resilience homes
Today, resiliency is the new sustainability to make a house withstand natural disasters and destruction. Many homeowners are opting to use durable and non-toxic materials, and designs to make their homes greener and more eco-friendly. Innovative construction technologies like prefab homes are on the rise as they can withstand harsh conditions such as wind, hurricanes and are naturally fire-resistant.
Incorporating energy-efficient devices and materials throughout homes has become the key element in constructing houses for low-income residents. According to the Australian Department of the Environment and Energy , one of the most cost-efficient domestic renewable energy sources is solar power. This not only reduces the cost burden for residents but also contributes to improving the world's quality of life.
Restoring old objects or taking the DIY approach to redesigning elements of homes is on trend in Australia. Not only will this save you money, but a uniquely crafted piece adds character and instant charm to an old or new home. Don’t work on complete transformations, respect the piece and use it effectively. For instance, you can use old windows as a headboard over the bed or can use a sliding barn door as fixed front door.
What exactly is a smart home or home automation?
Home automation or IoT is the process of connecting all home devices to send or receive information from them. Today, sustainable homes are adopting this type of technology to make living convenient and intuitive. Smart homes allow users to adjust the air conditioner from their phone or turn on lighting whenever needed. Moreover, if you don’t want to make big upgrades, you can make small improvements like using WiFi or installing smart security systems to help you attract residents.
Biophilic? Yes! It’s a new concept that put people and their health at the forefront by incorporating designs like nature in urban spaces and natural analogues. These designs can be achieved by constructing buildings to capture natural light by using windows and other architectural modifications. Further to attract renters, try green marketing . Invest in LEED certifications and eco-friendly maintenance.
Sustainable housing is a trend in many countries and net-zero is part of the trend as well. What is a net-zero home?
These are energy efficient homes that produce as much clean energy as they consume. These homes are built to higher standards than a standard conventional home by combining solar panels and energy-efficient technologies to have a complete self-sufficient and sustainable building.
These 'greenhouses' are becoming more mainstream, so if you are moving to a new property or might be renting one, keep these tips in mind and have a healthy and happy home.
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