building eco houses
Advice on building an eco-house?
I’m considering building a house which balances out its own impact on the environment – solar panels etc. I saw a program on it as a kid and it has been a fantasy ever since. Any tips on how to go about it?
I am in the middle of building an new house and have researched every product available in the eco market, I’ve come to the conclusion the most inportant thing you can do when building a home is insulate, insulate and insulate. Many if not all of the suppliers within the eco market tell you their product is great and will work, if you follow their insulation guide lines. Speak to an insulation supplier/manufacturer and target your home to achieve a very low U-Value ie 150mm cavity walls pumped with insulation beeds, warmroof, PK double glacing all the basic money saving stuff. Its not how you heat the home but making it easy to heat and keeping the heat in. This may not be PC to say but Don’t be talked into fitting planet saving gadged, when their pay back period is reached they will be old technology, have cost a fortune in maintanance and they’ll be at their replacement date. Everyone is caught up in saving the planet but every product has a carbon impact, for example the main stream shops are now selling wind turbines, theres a factory making them, a network of transportation involved in getting them to the store, the store needs to be open (lights on heating on.) all to save you 50p a month on electric and the planet i don’t think so. A note for the eco warrior in us all I sound like my dad now (When I was young its not that long ago, shopping was done from 9am to 5.30pm today you can go to a supper market at 3am with all the lights on the heating blowing full blast and buy an energy saving bulb to save the planet, Thats one example and for what its worth I think individuals saving small amounts of energy is silly when thing like i’ve described go on. So i dont feel guilty that I’m not fitting solar panels a wind turbine and a pellet burner. I hope that helps answers your question although long winded its your money and theres lots of Eco product sales people out there who want to help you spend it to “Help the Planet”
Eco house building project
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Instant Home/Wall Reusable Decal Stickers - Perfect Sakura Blossoms
$5.95 Go and immerse yourself in a fun ambiance with these stickers! These removable, repositionable, and reusable stickers are the perfect and convenient way to adorn and decorate any space. Easy to peel off and to stick on walls, doors, windows, tables, refrigerators, and more! When you want to reposition your friends peel them off with ease without peeling off paint/wallpaper and without leaving behi... |
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Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals - Blue Sky, Windmill Generators and Rays of Light - Removable Graphic
WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won't damage your paint or l... |
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EcoFoil Double Bubble Reflective Foil Insulation with Staple Tabs (24 X 125' Roll) - Pipe Wrap Insulation
$145.99 EcoFoil Double Bubble Between Joist Insulation is perfect for those small spaces between floor joists and studs in crawl spaces, or basements. This specifically designed roll is light and easy to handle, precut to fit perfectly in between standard floor joist spacing, and has 3/4" tabbed edges on both sides, allowing you to simply staple the tabs against the studs or joists for a quick and clean ... |
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Eco School House
$13.10 ... |
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Eco-Dome, Building a Small Home
$39.95 This film shows how a pile of earth, dug out from the building site, is turned into a small house called Eco- Dome (moon cocoon model), using the Superadobe technology. It documents how professionals and students from many countries training at Cal-Earth Institute built this structure. It is intended for use with materials and tools developed for instruction during the apprenticeship retreat... |
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Charlie Rose with William McDonough; Susan Susanka; James Goodnight (March 29, 1999)
$24.95 Architect William McDonough discusses his decision to take a job as Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia, and his push for a movement toward ecologically sensitive and responsible building and design. Then, architect Susan Susanka talks about her new book, The Not So Big House, and her perspectives on designing residential buildings with less sprawl and more quality of ... |
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Maxim Tumbletree Timbers Building Set, 162-Pieces
$17.99 This 162 Piece Set is a great way to get your child started with Tumble Tree Timbers ! Made of sturdy, eco-friendly wooden logs and water based paint, this set is kid-safe and so much fun. There are endless combinations of log buildings you can create - just supply your imagination !... |
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Oregon Scientific Eco Kids Solar Power House Kit
$26.99 Assembly required - but that's part of the fun! Great parent-child project to understand solar power. Also uses 2 AA batteries. For ages 8+... |
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Maxim EverEarth Amazon Building Blocks
$6.95 This solid wood toy is from the new Ever Earth line by Maxim Enterprise. Create your very own jungle layout with these 25 fun building block shapes. Made of sturdy durable wood, fun brightly colored screen printed chunky shaped blocks. Ever Earth Toys are kid-safe, eco friendly, and made from renewable forests. Solid wood from renewable forests Water-based, non-acrylic, non toxic paint Packaging i... |
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150 Best Eco House Ideas
$16.06 Featuring an extensive collection of full-color photographs, 150 Best Eco House Ideas features eco-friendly house designs created by internationally renowned architects and designers who have achieved practical, innovative, and stunning solutions adapted to the specific needs and tastes of their clients. Included here are the latest innovations in sustainable home design, including solar paneling... |
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Eco House Practical Ideas for a Greener (Paperback)
$15.4 A comprehensive resource on ecological health in the home and how to achieve it.Called the "new architecture for the new world," sustainable building is firmly established as an important influence on residential design. Eco Hous... |
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Reclaimed Teak Wood Natural Wax 48-inch 3D Lotus Panel (Thailand)
$391.49 The awe-inspiring creativity of this 3D lotus panel takes home decorating to a whole new level. This wall panel will provoke tranquility and superior craftsmanship in your decor. |
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Reclaimed Teak Wood Natural Wax 48-inch Lotus Panel (Thailand)
$394.49 The awe-inspiring creativity of this lotus panel takes home decorating to a whole new level. This wall panel will provoke tranquility and superior craftsmanship in your decor. |
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The Complete Idiot`s Guide to Green Building and Remodeling (Paperback)
$15.4 A guide to home building, renovation, and remodeling for environmentally conscientious readers or home owners looking to promote energy efficiency explains how to reduce one`s personal carbon footprint, lower costs, and promote an eco-friendly lifestyl... |
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Eco School House (DVD)
$17.81 In the wake of losing a school trailer to arson in 2007, the Grant Elementary School administration works hand-in-hand with the community a renowned architect to build another, more environmentally friendly satellite classroom. Inspired by their succes... |
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Waste King Eco 1-HP Disposal with Cord
$97.96 Update your disposal system with this Waste King Eco disposal with cord. This Eco disposal features a brass and plastic construction with 1-horsepower speed. |
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InnerSpace 5-inch Bunk Bed/ Dorm Twin-size Foam Mattress
$104 Perfect for a bunk bed or dorm bed, this InnerSpace mattress features high-density foam construction. The durable damask cover is made to last. |
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Fenton Modern Dark Brown Queen Platform Bed
$799.99 Rich dark brown bi-cast leather upholstery highlights this Fenton queen-size platform bed. This furniture features eco-friendly construction and foam padding on the headboard. |
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InnerSpace 5-inch Bunk Bed/ Dorm Twin XL-size Foam Mattress
$110.99 Perfect for a bunk bed or dorm bed, this InnerSpace mattress features high-density foam construction. The durable damask cover is made to last. |
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Hand-knotted All-Natural Earth Brown Hemp Rug (8' x 10')
$374.84 Fashion meets sustainability in this eco-friendly rug. This floor rug is hand-knotted of 100-percent high-quality jute pile on a cotton warp and weft with a fringed border. The all-organic rug is brown in color. |
