As cities continue to grow, millenials are beginning to look for smaller alternatives when it comes to where they live. One answer is the ADU (accessory dwelling unit) or a cottage. These small, eco-friendly homes are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a more affordable way of living while also being an environmentally conscious option. Cottage housing has many benefits including being cheaper than buying a new home, allowing you to live in a neighborhood you love without needing to drive everywhere, and being a great investment that can appreciate over time. Read on for our sustainable ADU design tips and tricks so you can build your own eco-friendly cottage.
Sustainable ADU Design Tips
When designing your ADU, you’ll want to create an open floor plan that maximizes space. This will make it possible for you to use natural light more efficiently and save on energy costs in the long run. Building an ADU can be a great way to add a little green to your neighborhood, but you’ll have to persuade your neighbors to let you do it first.
Eco-Friendly Materials
While the design of your ADU is important, so is the quality of the materials you choose. This is a great chance to use eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring, cork tiles, and low-VOC paints. Eco-friendly materials not only look beautiful, but they’re also beneficial for the environment. They sequester carbon, retain water, help improve indoor air quality, and reduce the costs of heating and cooling your home. When selecting materials, pay close attention to the source of each product. For example, paper products and wood products should be FSC-certified, which means the paper was sourced from responsibly managed forests with no deforestation. Other good choices include recycled materials and products from sustainably managed forests.
Shading and Ventilation
Shading and ventilation are two major factors to consider when designing your ADU. You’ll want to minimize heat in your home by strategically positioning your windows and installing a shade over your windows if you live in a sunny climate. This can help you save on energy costs, but you should also look for eco-friendly options like bamboo shades and organic and natural fabrics. When it comes to ventilation, you’ll want to consider installing an exhaust fan in the kitchen. This will help regulate the humidity in your home and keep it smelling fresh. When it comes to your roof, you’ll want to install a solar grid to help shade your roof while still allowing light to pass through.
Water Efficiency
Water efficiency is another important factor to keep in mind when designing an eco-friendly ADU. The first thing you can do is install low-flow fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen. You could also consider installing a water harvesting system to collect rainwater from your roof and storing it for future use. When choosing your appliances, look for those that are Energy Star rated or that use low-flow technology. You can even get creative by mounting your washer and dryer on the wall or installing a mini sink in your bathroom.
Eco-Friendly Appliances
When it comes to appliances, you’ll want to look for Energy Star rated appliances that use the least amount of energy possible. While they may cost a bit more upfront, they’ll help you save on energy costs over the long run. When it comes to your fridge, freezer, and dishwasher, you should use water-efficient appliances. You can also reduce your water usage by installing a low-flow faucet, low-flow showerhead, and toilet with a low flush system.
Conclusion
When designing an eco-friendly ADU, you’ll want to consider the cost of each material to ensure it’s worth the investment. You should also look into what government rebates and tax credits are available to you as well as energy efficiency certifications like Energy Star. When you design your ADU, you’ll want to make sure to maximize natural light, create an open floor plan that uses space efficiently, and use eco-friendly and water-efficient materials.
