How to build a sustainable home in Buckinghamshire

Key considerations when creating your sustainable Buckinghamshire home

Building a sustainable home in Buckinghamshire requires careful planning and consideration of various factors, not only sourcing local materials or measuring the topology of the land surface, but looking to local professionals who can provide the expertise and offer the best solutions for the best possible Buckinghamshire Eco build.

This article takes a holistic approach into the many design principles of creating a sustainable home in Buckinghamshire; everything from local materials, energy efficiency, and future-proofing techniques that contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

Which traditional materials can be used when building a sustainable home in Buckinghamshire?

One of the first points when creating a Sustainable Buckinghamshire home will be to consider local materials and traditional building techniques that are characteristic of the region. For Buckinghamshire, this includes the use of flint, chalk, and local timber in construction, as well as traditional roofing materials such as clay tiles. By using local materials and techniques, the building can blend in with the surrounding landscape and contribute to the local vernacular architecture.
Indigenous to Buckinghamshire is the Bovingdon brick which is made from local clay and chalk. The clay content in the bricks helps to reduce thermal conductivity, while the porous structure of the brick allows for the absorption and release of moisture, which helps to regulate indoor humidity levels. This local brick is known for its high insulation qualities, making them an excellent choice for a sustainable Buckinghamshire home design.

Geography

The Chilterns, Buckinghamshire is renowned as ‘The windy ridge’. With an elevation of 81.22 metres above sea level. Architects may factor in windloading when designing the structure of the building, its roof and glazing. This can include designing the building to withstand high winds and incorporating appropriate structural supports, such as cross bracing and trusses. The design should also take into consideration the potential for appropriate drainage solutions, such as rainwater harvesting systems and permeable paving.

Greener energy solutions

Another consideration is the energy efficiency of the Sustainable Buckinghamshire home. This can be achieved through the use of passive solar design techniques, such as orienting the building to take advantage of natural light and heat, as well as incorporating insulation and high-performance glazing to reduce heat loss. Timber is a popular sustainable material that offers longevity, performance and natural beauty. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, can also be considered to further reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Intelligent Heating

Heating and cooling your eco can be a major source of energy consumption. Features such as automatically adjusting the output based on factors in the rooms, such as windows and doors being open can help systems work to maximum efficiency. It can also be controlled remotely, so you can turn off your heating or cooling when you're not at home.

Smart Lighting Control

The dwelling should be designed to promote sustainability and reduce energy consumption through efficient lighting and appliances.
Lighting control is a key consideration when designing your Sustainable Buckinghamshire home. Smart home automation and can make a big difference ecologically, and economically. Lights can be activated by motion sensors, switching off automatically when no motion is detected, reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Lights can also be programmed to switch on at specific times, when needed.

Shading Control

While large elevations of glazing can provide excellent natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, it is important to carefully consider the potential impact on energy efficiency and comfort within the home. In areas with high solar exposure, such as Buckinghamshire, excessive solar gain can result in uncomfortable temperatures and increased energy consumption for cooling.

Low-e coatings on glazing can be an effective way to reduce solar gain and improve energy efficiency. These coatings are designed to reflect a significant portion of the sun's heat and light while allowing natural light to enter the building. This helps to keep the interior of the home cooler in summer and reduces the need for artificial cooling.
In addition to low-e coatings, other strategies can be used to control solar gain and improve energy efficiency, such as incorporating shading devices such as cladding, overhangs or louvers or incorporating efficient mechanical systems such as heat pumps or geothermal systems.

It is also important to consider the orientation of the building and the placement of glazing to maximize the benefits of natural light and reduce the potential for solar gain. This may involve orienting the building to take advantage of the sun's path and using glazing on the north side of the building to provide even natural light without excessive heat gain.
Overall, careful consideration of glazing and its impact on energy efficiency and comfort is an important aspect of sustainable home design in Buckinghamshire. By incorporating strategies such as low-e coatings, shading devices, and efficient mechanical systems, it is possible to create a comfortable and energy-efficient home while still enjoying the benefits of natural light and views.

It is possible to create a home that is both beautiful and environmentally responsible. If you're working on a project and want to see all possibilities to reduce carbon emissions, look no further than Sky House. Call us today to book a showroom appointment! 01494 722 880