Are you on a mission to incorporate sustainable design principles into your next home renovation or extension project? You’ve come to the right place. At CODA Bespoke, we're passionate about ideas that not only enhance your living space but embrace sustainable design.
For us, eco-conscious design isn’t just a trend but a way to create a greener, more energy-efficient spaces that don’t compromise on style or luxury. Looking for inspiration? Read on as we explore over 20 creative ways to design sustainable home renovations and extensions.
As far as we’re concerned, harnessing the power of the sun is one of the most underutilised sustainable design principles. Put simply, passive solar design maximises natural sunlight and minimises energy consumption. The result? Your home is filled with natural light and your energy bills stay as low as possible.
What’s not to love? Consider adding large, south-facing windows to capture the sun's warmth during the winter. This not only reduces heating costs contributes to a bright and inviting living space.
Instead of buying new, consider reclaimed and recycled materials for your renovation or extension. Salvaged wood, bricks and even reclaimed metal can add character to your home while reducing the demand for new resources. It's a win-win for aesthetics and sustainability. Don’t be afraid to get creative with reclaimed materials and find an architect and builders who share your vision.
Green roofs and living walls have serious Instagram appeal but they’re more than just a trend. Covering your roof with vegetation not only looks striking but can improve insulation, reduce stormwater runoff and create a habitat for wildlife. Inside, living walls help to improve air quality and serve as a stunning visual feature that brings the outdoors in.
Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors is one of the easiest ways to improve the sustainability credentials of your renovation project. Look for options with high insulation values to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Ditch the traditional radiators and opt for underfloor heating. Luxurious and energy-efficient, modern underfloor heating systems keep your home cosy while reducing your carbon footprint.
Never underestimate the importance of proper insulation. As well as keeping you comfortable, insulating your home reduces the need for constant heating or cooling, which translates to lower energy bills. To really give your home a sustainable edge, consider eco-friendly insulation materials like cork, sheep's wool and hemp.
Solar panels allow you to harness energy from the sun – not just heat as we discussed above. They require an initial investment but will soon pay for themselves in the form of significant long-term savings on your energy bills. With the right planning and design, there’s no need for them to be an eyesore either.
Collecting and using rainwater for non-potable purposes is an easy way to improve the sustainability of your home. For example, H2O collected from your rainwater harvesting system can be used to water your garden or even flush toilets. Some homeowners go one step further and use rainwater collection as their sole source of water.
Integrate smart home technology into your renovation and embrace eco-friendly solutions like energy-efficient lighting, thermostats and home automation systems to control energy usage.
During your renovation, aim to minimise waste by recycling and reusing materials where possible. The best way to do this is to chat to your architect, builders and contractors about waste reduction solutions before starting your project.
Modular extensions are a smart and sustainable way to expand your living space. They’re prefabricated offsite, which reduces construction waste. Plus, they can be designed with sustainability in mind and packed with energy-efficient features.
Improve your indoor air quality by choosing low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes. This will help keep the air in your home fresh and toxin-free. Proper ventilation systems can also help improve indoor air quality.
If your home has historic or heritage value, taking measures to preserve its unique character is a thoughtful way to respect the past while updating your property.
Take cues from the Germans and adopt Passive House principles in your renovation or extension. Also known as Passivhaus, the voluntary standard focuses on creating airtight and super-insulated buildings that require minimal energy for heating and cooling. The movement is gaining momentum in the UK and is a great way to combat soaring energy costs.
All homes are unique which is why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work when it comes to renovations and extensions – especially when sustainability is a priority. Improve the quality and sustainability of your project by working with a professional design team that can help bring your vision to life.
Where possible, opt for locally sourced materials to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. From locally quarried stone to timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, there’s often no need to import from abroad. Supporting local suppliers also strengthens your local economy and lends homegrown appeal to your project.
Don't forget about your outdoor spaces when thinking about creative ways to incorporate sustainable into your home improvement project. From native plants and water-efficient irrigation to eco-friendly hardscape materials, your landscaping reflects your home's sustainability.
To truly lean into a sustainable home renovation or extension project, consulting the experts is crucial. At CODA Bespoke, we have a team of dedicated architects, planners and designers who can guide you through the process and help expand, elaborate on and improve your sustainability ideas.
Ready to jumpstart your sustainable home renovation or extension project? Whether your vision is to transform a centuries-old heritage building into an energy-efficient home or breathe new life into an existing property, we specialise in creating luxurious spaces that aren’t afraid to take a creative approach to sustainability.
Take a look at some of our renovation and extension projects or call us on 0114 279 4931 to discuss your dream home.
