Sustainable Building Design: 5 Natural Architecture Tips

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Have you ever wondered how you can make your home more eco-friendly? With the increasing importance of sustainability, the field of natural architecture offers exciting possibilities. This blog post will guide you through five simple yet effective strategies to design a sustainable building that harmonizes with nature. So, let's dive in and learn how to marry technology and ecology in our homes!

1. Embrace the Sun: Harnessing Solar Energy

What better way to start our journey into natural architecture than by looking to our most dependable and abundant energy source—the sun. By harnessing solar energy, you can power your home while minimizing your carbon footprint. Let's explore how.

Solar Panels: Powering Your Home Naturally

Solar panels are an excellent way to tap into the sun's energy. They convert sunlight into electricity, which can be used to power your house. This is how it works: when sunlight hits the solar panel, it knocks electrons loose from their atoms. This movement generates an electric current, which can be used to power your home. The beauty of solar panels is that they are a clean energy source. They don't emit any greenhouse gases, and they don't require any fuel other than sunlight. Plus, installing solar panels can significantly reduce your energy bills. Now that's a win-win!

Solar Water Heaters: Efficient and Eco-friendly

Moving on to another energy-saving gem—solar water heaters. These devices use the sun's heat to warm up your water, reducing the need for electricity or gas. Solar water heaters include a solar collector and a storage tank. The collector absorbs the sun's heat and transfers it to the water in the tank. These heaters are particularly effective in sunny climates, but they can be adapted to work in less sunny areas too. So, you might want to consider this option for your next home upgrade.

Passive Solar Design: Utilizing Sunlight for Heating

Finally, let's talk about passive solar design. This strategy uses the sun's energy to heat and light up your home naturally. How? By considering the sun's path and your local climate when designing your home. For instance, you can position your home to maximize southern exposure, use materials that absorb and slowly release heat, and install large windows to let in natural light. Passive solar design can help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, reduce your energy use, and improve your indoor air quality. Now that's what we call smart natural architecture!

2. Befriend the Wind: Utilizing Wind Energy

Next, let's turn our attention to another incredible resource—wind. It's free, renewable, and can provide a significant amount of power for your home. Plus, it's a fantastic way to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. So, let's see how you can leverage wind energy in your natural architecture design.

Wind Turbines: Generating Power

Wind turbines are the most common way to harness wind energy. They work by converting the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This power can then be used directly for tasks such as pumping water, or it can be converted into electricity. While large-scale wind farms might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wind turbines, there are also smaller, residential-sized turbines available. These can be an excellent option if you live in a windy area and want to generate your own electricity.

Natural Ventilation: Cooling Your Home Naturally

Besides generating power, wind can also help cool your home naturally, thanks to a concept called natural ventilation. This involves designing your home in a way that optimizes the flow of air, reducing the need for air conditioning. For example, you might position windows and vents to create cross-ventilation, or use landscaping to direct breezes towards your home. Not only can natural ventilation help you save on energy costs, but it can also improve your indoor air quality. So, why not give it a try?

3. Love Your Land: Geothermal Energy and Landscaping

When it comes to natural architecture, your plot of land isn't just a place to put a building—it's a resource that can provide energy and support local ecosystems. Let's go over two ways you can love your land: by harnessing geothermal energy and incorporating native landscaping.

Geothermal Systems: Heating and Cooling from the Earth

Deep underground, the earth maintains a consistent temperature, regardless of the weather above ground. Geothermal systems tap into this underground heat to keep your home comfortable all year round. Here's how it works: a series of pipes, called a loop, is installed underground. During the winter, heat from the ground is absorbed by a fluid in the loop, which is then used to heat your home. In the summer, the process is reversed—the system removes heat from your home and disperses it into the ground. It's a neat, natural way to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Native Landscaping: Making a Home for Local Flora and Fauna

Native landscaping is another aspect of natural architecture that involves making the most of your land. This involves planting native plants—those that have evolved in your region over thousands of years. These plants are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less watering and less maintenance than non-native plants. Plus, they provide a habitat for local wildlife, helping to support biodiversity. So why not design a garden that looks great, is easy to maintain, and helps local ecosystems thrive?

4. Recycle and Reuse: Implementing Sustainable Materials

Part of natural architecture's philosophy is giving a second life to materials that may have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Let's explore how recycled and reused materials can contribute to a more sustainable building design.

Recycled Materials: Turning Trash into Treasure

Believe it or not, what some may consider trash could be the building blocks of your new home. From old tires to reclaimed wood, recycled materials can create a unique aesthetic while reducing your environmental footprint. Companies like TerraCycle have made strides in recycling unusual materials like chip bags and toothbrushes, turning them into plastic lumber. Imagine—your next deck could be made from yesterday's snacks!

Reuse of Materials: Giving Old Items New Life

Reusing materials in your building design is another strategy in natural architecture. This could mean repurposing old bricks for a new wall or transforming a vintage door into a distinctive dining table. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a home filled with character and history. Plus, reusing materials keeps them out of the landfill, making your home that much more eco-friendly.

5. Save the Water: Water Conservation and Management

Water is a precious resource, and natural architecture strives to use it wisely. Let's dive into how you can save and manage water in your sustainable building design.

Rainwater Harvesting: Catching and Storing Rain

Why let rainwater go to waste when you can catch it and use it? Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for later use. You can use it to water your garden, wash your car, or even flush your toilets. It's a simple way to conserve water, and the rain won't mind if you borrow a bit!

Greywater Systems: Reusing Water at Home

Ever thought about reusing your shower water to flush your toilet? It might sound odd, but that's exactly what greywater systems do. They take water from your showers, sinks, and washing machine—essentially any water that's lightly used—and repurpose it for other uses in your home. Not only does this save water, but it also reduces the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated. It's a win-win for you and the environment.

Water Saving Fixtures: Reducing Water Use

Last but not least, let's talk about water-saving fixtures. Things like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets can significantly reduce the amount of water you use. Plus, they're easy to install and available in a variety of styles to suit your home's aesthetic. So, not only do you conserve water, but you do it in style!

If you're passionate about sustainable building design and want to explore the world of fantasy architecture, check out the workshop 'Visual Development for Fantasy World-Building' by Kit Buss. This workshop will help you combine your interest in sustainability with the art of creating visually stunning and imaginative fantasy structures, making your designs stand out in a unique way.