But self-building doesn’t just give you the chance to be creative and innovative in the design. You are also able to take advantage of incorporating sustainable building methods to ensure your home is eco-friendly and energy efficient.
The world has become much more environmentally aware, so considering sustainable ways in your self-build will give you practical ways to do your bit for the earth too. Let’s look at 4 key aspects of sustainability that are important for your self-build.
The materials you use contribute massively to the level of sustainability of your build. These include:
One of the great advantages of sustainable self-building is reducing your costs. Keeping an eye on your bank balance when creating the size of your house is vital. You may be tempted to purchase land that is bigger than you thought, allowing you to design a home of larger proportions. Many people are of the opinion that if you are self-building, the bigger the better.
But remember, that the more reasonably sized your house is, the more you will be likely to afford to run it comfortably. So, focus on prioritising what you want in your home and the realistic costs that you will need to regularly pay out. There’s no point sitting in a mansion if it’s freezing because you can’t afford to heat it.
The construction industry has changed. Sustainable building systems are now being used in order to reduce environmental damage. There is more awareness among the industry as to what affects their carbon footprint than ever before.
Sustainable building practices used today include:
An architect’s role is to focus on the design and construction of a building. Sustainable architects particularly, focus on things that decrease the negative impact of urban development on the environment.
They use environmentally friendly materials and offer a wealth of knowledge on sustainable systems for your self-build, for example, how you can be more energy efficient. Architects work together with other contractors to ensure that everything comes together to create a coherent and effective building system.
Having an architect when building your own sustainable home is essential support. They will be able to advise you on everything you are unsure of and guide you through your bespoke design.
It’s clear that sustainable living has many advantages. So, what are you waiting for? CODA Bespoke’s knowledgeable team can help guide you through the process of incorporating sustainable methods into your self-build.
If sustainability and long-term energy efficiency appeal to you, contact us today and let our RIBA-accredited architects support you as you create your new home.
So where do you start? How do you begin to visualise the design and scale of your self-build? Let’s have a look at the best ways to find inspiration.
Instagram is a very useful platform when you are looking for advice and inspiration for your self-build project. It is a well-established resource, having been around for nearly 13 years and boasting 500 million users every day.
If you are looking for inspiration for your self-build project, you’ll find a wide variety of ideas and created projects to motivate and inspire you. For example:
It is easy to be inspired when you see glossy images of a beautifully unique, spacious and creative self-build. The dream of your having own build completed becomes closer as you see the possibilities and what is achievable. CODA Bespoke’s website shows a wide range of unique and awe-inspiring projects that can help you dream big as you visualise your own self-build.
Corn Yard in Sheffield, for instance, is an award-winning build by designers and identical twins, Nik and Jon Daughtry. Featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs, Nik and Jon were inspired to build two energy-efficient five-bedroom homes, made from untreated materials, on the site of a 200-year-old corn mill.
Pinterest is a virtual pin board with a social network that enables you to collect and save ideas, as well as discover the latest trends in whatever area you are interested in. It is an excellent way to give you a much clearer vision of what you want to achieve.
You can also browse other people’s boards on everything relating to self-building to help inspire and inform you. A few useful ones are:
There’s nothing like being able to talk to experts face-to-face and see visual representations of what your self-build could be. If this is something that would help inspire you, then going to a homebuilding show could be for you. For example, the National Self-build and Renovation Show is held across the country in venues such as the NEC in Birmingham and ExCel in London.
Advice and information are on hand from multiple experts, so whether you need advice on materials, home energy systems or looking for general inspiration for your design – you will be in the right place.
Also, help is available through the National Self-build and Renovation Centre. Open all year round, expert exhibitors share advice and help you find inspiration for your self-build and renovation plans.
Whatever way you are inspired to self-build, CODA Bespoke is on hand to help you as you move forward with your project. Our award-winning team create high-quality projects, prioritising your inspired brief with innovative design.
Take a look at our self-build and renovations portfolio to get a feel for the homes we create. Or contact us today to take your first step towards your unique self-built home.
