An eco house is designed to be environmentally sustainable, focusing on the efficient use of energy, water, and building materials. Usually, such green buildings also utilise sustainable energy sources such as solar energy to improve energy efficiency.
If you wish to reduce your carbon footprint on Earth, eco-friendly homes may be the way to go! Ultimately, an eco house promotes better and responsible living in a sustainable and trusted environment while positively impacting the rest of the world.
Find out more about the different green homes in Malaysia and see where your future eco house-to-be lies here:
Types of Eco Houses
1. Biophilic Homes
Let’s start with a simple one to ease you into the list. Biophilic homes refer to an architectural or style concept instead of more technical housing types. All in all, it involves bringing the resident closer to their natural environment through various ways.
For instance, it could be orienting the eco house towards a water view, incorporating more windows to increase natural light, or developing natural sustaining landscapes. Of course, having a green wall counts too!
These green homes are lifestyle-focused living environments that typically adopt green initiatives, fitted with nature-oriented facilities like private and back-lane gardens.
2. Prefab Homes
Another excellent option is prefab homes, which are built off-site in a factory before personalised installation and assembly. Generally, the structure of prefab modular designs aims to reduce waste, consequently cutting costs.
The good news is that they require fewer permits, and you can build them quickly. Fewer resources such as cement, steel and electricity go to waste, thus making prefab homes highly sustainable.
3. LEED-Certified Homes
For those new to the term, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. These buildings supply clean indoor air and sufficient natural lighting to subsequently reduce pollution and carbon footprints.
Other unique features of LEED-certified homes include:
- Specific designs to withstand catastrophic weather.
- Using safe building materials to maximise indoor fresh air while diminishing exposure to toxins and pollutants.
- Certified systems that reduce water and energy consumption (which means less costly bills for you!)
4. Passive Homes
Passive homes utilise solar power, completely powering themselves without relying on an external grid. Like LEED-certified homes, they cut down on electricity bills with energy-efficient electrical and mechanical appliances, alongside abundant natural lighting.
Moreover, passive homes use high-performance windows for improved insulation and ventilation by retaining heated or air-conditioned air.
5. Earth-Covered Homes
Earth-covered homes are usually built underground, consequently relieving the home of typical weather and environmental factors. Although most of the home resides below the surface, as its name suggests, many have an atrium design to offer windows and glass doors.
If you fancy quiet and serene environments, you’ll enjoy the soundproof feature of these homes.
6. Solar Panelled Homes
A solar panelled home is an eco house with rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels or a ground-mounted solar system. These systems generate usable electricity from the sun to sustain energy.
Why Choose an Eco House?
These eco houses are initiatives for more green and sustainable options in an ever-progressing nation.
Without a doubt, they prove that sustainable living is locally possible and crucial for the health of our environment. That said, Rumah-i commits to working with various co-living developments to contribute towards sustainable living.
Find yourself intrigued by eco houses available in Malaysia? Dedicate some time to explore more property options and assistance with Rumah-i’s Home Renting App available on Google Play and the App Store!
