Human beings are taking a stand against the ‘throwaway philosophy,’ with sustainability now being an important purchasing criterion for 60% of all consumers—as found in The Global Sustainability Study 2021. People now see themselves, as well as the companies they support, as potential catalysts for change when shopping for goods, buying a vehicle, or constructing their home. Within home architecture and design, one of the overriding principles that promote sustainability is the ‘design for life’ concept. The latter seeks to do away with the ‘use and burn’ way of living by building structures that can serve their purpose for many years (or even permanently). Whether you are building a sustainable home or simply renovating your existing home to embrace greener principles, keep the following considerations in mind to ensure your abode stands the test of time.
Long-Lasting Sustainable Materials
When building a home or extensively renovating it, your choice of materials can make a big difference in terms of durability and environmental friendliness. For flooring, walls, and in-built features, materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and pre-cast concrete can all help lower your carbon footprint and reduce the need for future renovation and replacement. Pre-cast concrete, for instance, produces less waste because it is made with reusable steel molds and it produces far less waste and spillage than poured-on-site concrete.
The Evolving Human Condition
As human beings age, their needs and habits change and these factors should be kept in mind to limit age-related home renovations to particular needs that may arise. As home dwellers go older, they may need to use a wheelchair and guard themselves against falls. Therefore, typical modifications required include the widening of doorways and renovations of bathrooms. For instance, fall risks prompt many homeowners to replace bathtubs with walk-in showers. If you are building from scratch continue including these features from the very start. If you love taking long baths in the tub, consider a standing tub so that the shower remains safe and easily accessible by people of all ages. Prioritize your staircase as well, if you have one. It should be at least four feet wide in case you need to install a lift.
Outdoor Considerations
Think about building sturdy, purposeful exteriors that won’t require too much maintenance throughout your home’s lifetime. One component you should choose wisely is your siding—the material attached to your home’s exterior to protect it from the element. This siding can be built in a wide array of materials, including brick, vinyl, wood, and aluminum. Brick and aluminum are particularly good choices because they are low-maintenance. If you want to ensure the longevity of your roof, then quality roofing sheets are so important. Shop here if you want to purchase some today. Your backyard will also be around for many years so opt for perennial, easy-to-maintain plants such as shrubs. If you love spending time outside under a tree, go for low-maintenance trees like the Japanese maple, redbud, crape myrtle, or yaupon holly.
Designing a home that lasts a lifetime is a great way to give something back to the Planet. Your home should be built in a way that can be adapted to your needs as you age. Choosing sturdy and sustainable materials, prioritizing accessibility, and designing a fuss-free garden are just three of many ways to embrace the ‘design for life’ concept.