Beauty vs. sustainability.
It no longer has to be a choice for homeowners.
Thanks to innovative materials and design practices, these two ends can be achieved simultaneously for an elevated homeownership experience. Keep reading as we explore some modern, sustainable materials that can help you achieve a healthier, more stylish home.
Make a Statement with Countertop Selection
Marble. Granite. Onyx.
All stately countertops.
However, each must be mined, processed, and sealed. These are steps that require varying levels of energy and natural resource consumption.
As such, many homeowners who want to make an aesthetic statement to rival these natural stone surfaces while guaranteeing a more sustainably-sourced product are turning to countertops made from recycled glass.
Fabricated from post-consumer and post-industrial recycled glass that is cleaned, crushed down, and held in place with a nonporous resin, these stunning countertops offer the ultimate in style, durability, and stewardship of resources.
Bamboo Flooring: Eco-Friendly Take on Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring has long been the ideal in luxury homes. It is the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.
With that said, hardwood is not the most sustainable flooring out there. While generally durable, it does require some periodic sealing. It also relies on timber. Commercial timber harvesting has caused deforestation and habitat risk in various parts of the world.
A sustainable solution that rivals hardwood in appearance is bamboo flooring. It can also perform similarly to hardwood in terms of durability. Sourced from the fast-growing bamboo plant, stems can be harvest-ready in as little as six months. Plants can be grown on small lots and harvested many times over a lifetime, making bamboo an ideal choice for sustainable, rustic flooring.
Promote Air Quality Through Vapor Barriers
Moisture infiltration can cause myriad issues for a home. Rot. Mold. Mildew. Swelling and shrinking.
While these moisture-related conditions compromise the structural integrity of the home, they do something worse: they can release spores that trigger allergies and other forms of respiratory issues in occupants.
Therefore, beyond the basic waterproofing measures for a home (gutters, flashing, sealants, etc.), it is crucial to prevent the micro-transfer of moisture through the home’s building envelope. Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are one of the top options in this regard. Used for framing and to vapor barrier basement walls, ICF offers a continuous, double-insulation layer that keeps exterior moisture and condensation formation from ever reaching the home’s interior.
Stainless Steel Cable Railings for Low Maintenance Style
Railings are receiving a lot of attention in modern home design. They have evolved past the realm of function and safety. They now take a central role in complementing the overarching design theme of the property.
One sustainable railing solution that blends safety with style is stainless steel cable. Using a series of stainless steel cables tensioned between posts, this low-profile system offers unencumbered views. It is ideal for enhancing open concept interiors and ensuring views on exterior decks. Resistant to corrosion from weather or hand stains, this durable railing system will essentially last forever and can easily be cleaned with the wipe of a rag.
Source the Most Innovative Insulation
Any insulation product will dub itself “eco-friendly.” After all, if it is improving the home’s R-value and reducing reliance on HVAC, then it is doing its part, right?
Well, not entirely.
Many insulation products are ostensibly eco-friendly in application but come with their own set of environmental challenges. Perhaps they are energy-intensive to fabricate (high embodied energy). Maybe they are heavy and require significant structural alteration prior to application. Or they could experience toxic off-gassing when exposed to extreme heat (hello, fiberglass batts).
Therefore, truly eco-friendly insulation does more than offer great R-value. It guarantees sustainable sourcing, low maintenance, and zero toxicity. A few of the most trending options in this regard are hemp, sheep’s wool, and recycled denim batts.
Move on from Standard Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveways are a staple of suburban America. When new, they offer a clean, finished aspect that provides a classy lead-in to a property.
The operative phrase is “when new.”
Concrete is a rather porous material. This makes it susceptible to stains from food spills and leaking car fluids. Furthermore, if the substrate gets washed away from precipitation or irrigation runoff, concrete driveways may crack and buckle. Repair can be difficult and costly.
A more sustainable solution lies in the form of a modern gravel driveway. This innovative system uses a series of durable substrate paver grids that hold surface aggregates in place. This eliminates the shifting common to traditional gravel surfaces while leveraging their optimal drainage properties for ongoing, rustic driveway charm.
It’s Not a Choice: Modern Materials That Are Both Sustainable and Stylish
Thanks to innovative building materials, sustainability and style no longer have to be a choice. From recycled glass countertops to permeable gravel driveways, consider any of the material ideas listed above for healthy, stunning homes. For more of the latest trends in healthy home design, explore the content at Berkley Construction for ideas and inspiration!
*******************************
Author Bio
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
It no longer has to be a choice for homeowners.
Thanks to innovative materials and design practices, these two ends can be achieved simultaneously for an elevated homeownership experience. Keep reading as we explore some modern, sustainable materials that can help you achieve a healthier, more stylish home.
Make a Statement with Countertop Selection
Marble. Granite. Onyx.
All stately countertops.
However, each must be mined, processed, and sealed. These are steps that require varying levels of energy and natural resource consumption.
As such, many homeowners who want to make an aesthetic statement to rival these natural stone surfaces while guaranteeing a more sustainably-sourced product are turning to countertops made from recycled glass.
Fabricated from post-consumer and post-industrial recycled glass that is cleaned, crushed down, and held in place with a nonporous resin, these stunning countertops offer the ultimate in style, durability, and stewardship of resources.
Bamboo Flooring: Eco-Friendly Take on Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring has long been the ideal in luxury homes. It is the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.
With that said, hardwood is not the most sustainable flooring out there. While generally durable, it does require some periodic sealing. It also relies on timber. Commercial timber harvesting has caused deforestation and habitat risk in various parts of the world.
A sustainable solution that rivals hardwood in appearance is bamboo flooring. It can also perform similarly to hardwood in terms of durability. Sourced from the fast-growing bamboo plant, stems can be harvest-ready in as little as six months. Plants can be grown on small lots and harvested many times over a lifetime, making bamboo an ideal choice for sustainable, rustic flooring.
Promote Air Quality Through Vapor Barriers
Moisture infiltration can cause myriad issues for a home. Rot. Mold. Mildew. Swelling and shrinking.
While these moisture-related conditions compromise the structural integrity of the home, they do something worse: they can release spores that trigger allergies and other forms of respiratory issues in occupants.
Therefore, beyond the basic waterproofing measures for a home (gutters, flashing, sealants, etc.), it is crucial to prevent the micro-transfer of moisture through the home’s building envelope. Insulated concrete forms (ICF) are one of the top options in this regard. Used for framing and to vapor barrier basement walls, ICF offers a continuous, double-insulation layer that keeps exterior moisture and condensation formation from ever reaching the home’s interior.
Stainless Steel Cable Railings for Low Maintenance Style
Railings are receiving a lot of attention in modern home design. They have evolved past the realm of function and safety. They now take a central role in complementing the overarching design theme of the property.
One sustainable railing solution that blends safety with style is stainless steel cable. Using a series of stainless steel cables tensioned between posts, this low-profile system offers unencumbered views. It is ideal for enhancing open concept interiors and ensuring views on exterior decks. Resistant to corrosion from weather or hand stains, this durable railing system will essentially last forever and can easily be cleaned with the wipe of a rag.
Source the Most Innovative Insulation
Any insulation product will dub itself “eco-friendly.” After all, if it is improving the home’s R-value and reducing reliance on HVAC, then it is doing its part, right?
Well, not entirely.
Many insulation products are ostensibly eco-friendly in application but come with their own set of environmental challenges. Perhaps they are energy-intensive to fabricate (high embodied energy). Maybe they are heavy and require significant structural alteration prior to application. Or they could experience toxic off-gassing when exposed to extreme heat (hello, fiberglass batts).
Therefore, truly eco-friendly insulation does more than offer great R-value. It guarantees sustainable sourcing, low maintenance, and zero toxicity. A few of the most trending options in this regard are hemp, sheep’s wool, and recycled denim batts.
Move on from Standard Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveways are a staple of suburban America. When new, they offer a clean, finished aspect that provides a classy lead-in to a property.
The operative phrase is “when new.”
Concrete is a rather porous material. This makes it susceptible to stains from food spills and leaking car fluids. Furthermore, if the substrate gets washed away from precipitation or irrigation runoff, concrete driveways may crack and buckle. Repair can be difficult and costly.
A more sustainable solution lies in the form of a modern gravel driveway. This innovative system uses a series of durable substrate paver grids that hold surface aggregates in place. This eliminates the shifting common to traditional gravel surfaces while leveraging their optimal drainage properties for ongoing, rustic driveway charm.
It’s Not a Choice: Modern Materials That Are Both Sustainable and Stylish
Thanks to innovative building materials, sustainability and style no longer have to be a choice. From recycled glass countertops to permeable gravel driveways, consider any of the material ideas listed above for healthy, stunning homes. For more of the latest trends in healthy home design, explore the content at Berkley Construction for ideas and inspiration!
*******************************
Author Bio
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
