We've seen more than our fair share of architectural design trends over the past few years, and they come and go so fast its almost impossible to know what tomorrow's 'fad' will be. Isn't it about time that property developers looked at bringing about a style that fits in with our heritage. We have such a rich and diverse past, surely there is plenty of scope to play with. Why must we always look to other countries for architectural inspiration.
There has been more interest lately in "green" homes. No dear, that's not the colour of the house! Green homes make consideration for the use of natural materials during construction. They are built in concert with the environment. Wooden window frames, hardwood floors, slate or clay tiled roofing materials, even recycled materials can be incorporated as design elements.
This is not a new concept in home building. Our original settlers built their homes with whatever nature provided. They positioned their homes to allow for the extremes of wind and sun.
The home building industry coined the term, “green building” in the late 1980s. Since 1990, consumer demand for energy efficient and cost effective homes is rapidly increasing.
The U.K NAHB has even gone so far as to develop 'Model Green Home Building Guidelines' to give builders a framework for building green and give homeowners the reassurance that their house is being built to proven green standards.
The guidelines include:
Lot Preparation and Design: careful planning can reduce a new home’s impact on vegetation, soil and water while enhancing its long-term performance.
Resource Efficiency: framing techniques, home designs and construction waste management practices can help builders get the most from building materials.
Energy Efficiency: creating a building envelope and incorporating energy efficient mechanical systems, appliances and lighting can help homeowners save money on electricity consumption.
Water Efficiency and Conservation: finding ways to conserve water, both inside and outside the home, can also help homeowners reduce utility costs.
Occupancy Comfort and Indoor Environmental Quality: managing moisture and ventilation can help homeowners live and breathe in a more comfortable indoor living environment.
Could this not be a model for the future of property development in South Africa? Perhaps we should be more aware of our environment and look for ways to work with it, instead of against it.
If we could build homes that were 'efficient' rather than a passing fad. Perhaps one day property prices will be based on the level of efficiency of an individual house rather than it's style.
Now that's something to think about the next time you think about buying a new home!
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