Skip to main content

Eco-houses: life without electricity

Independent house, which benefits the planet and creates all the amenities for human is not a dream but a reality! Today MKmagazine talks about what it is, and shows some remarkable examples, so read with pleasure.

Eco-house is an energy saving, energy efficient or passive dwelling that does not require the consumption of energy or requires it at a minimum level (this also applies to electricity, and heating). It is only 8-10% more expensive than usual, and even easier to build: it is not necessary to make the pipe water heating, store fuel, make boiler, etc. All costs repays fully within 7 years.



Eco-house features
- Compactness, integrity, competent geometry and layout, thoughtful placement relative to the cardinal.
- The most practical and safe materials, natural insulation (100% non-toxic).
- More efficient insulation to avoid thermal bridges in materials and components, as well as to reduce heat loss almost to zero.
- Heating occurs due to heat generation by people, animals and household appliances.
- The system of ventilation with heat exchanger.
- Using of alternative energy sources. For example, heat pumps or solar heaters for hot water supply.
- Organic waste is completely recycled and disposed of immediately on the site.



Examples of eco-houses
CANNON BEACH RESIDENCE in the U.S. (Oregon, Pacific Coast) It produces more energy than it consumes. Made from recycled materials.

How it was achieved:
- Using renewable materials suitable for further processing.
- Applying solar energy for uninterrupted heating and hot water supply (solar thermal tubes, heat pump, etc.).
- The air circulation system allows heating and cooling the air inside the house.
- Creating the lawn (sedum carpet) on the roof – it requires minimal effort to care for, while being beautiful and practical.




BIRCHWAY ECO COMMUNITY London (Hillingdon)
Eco-houses are being built in the framework of the national program in the UK called “Affordable Housing”. So far, there were built only 5 of them, but much more is planned. Each such dwelling is minimalistic, stylish and built of economical materials. All sources of energy in the house are renewable.

What was done: - Fence of recycled steel.
- Curved roof with live sedum carpet.
- Heating, electricity and water supply are provided by solar energy. It is collected with special photovoltaic units on the south side of the roof.
- The ventilation system provides a stream of clean air with programmable temperature.
- The water is collected in cisterns during rain, and purified.




GARDEN ARK in London
Compact and mobile residential unit, easily assembled in a few hours. It has everything necessary for permanent residence. The only drawback is the absence of heating (although there can be built electric oven for year-round live).

Features:
- Live roof, where any plant can be planted.
- Photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity.
- Collecting rain and cleaning to get water.
- Furnished living spaces and a bathroom.





ISLAND COUNTRY HOUSE in Iceland (100 kilometers from the Arctic Circle)
A unique and eco-friendly house with a “green” roof, enduring even harsh climate.

What the developers have come up with:
- Geothermal sources are involved.
- Equipped with hot and cold water supply.
- Something like a mini-hydropower plant is made.
- Green roof is created to enter the house into the landscape.
- Eco-house is the perfect home: you get comfort and convenience, save on electricity, preserve nature in a safe and lead a really healthy lifestyle. And it is not just an idea or a dream, there are thousands of such houses worldwide. They are not much more expensive than conventional ones and quickly pay off, because they do not need electricity.

Would you like to live in one?


Via school-repair.com

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Find cities with similar climate

This map has been created using The Global environmental stratification. The Global environmental stratification (GEnS), based on statistical clustering of bioclimate data (WorldClim). GEnS, consists of 125 strata, which have been aggregated into 18 global environmental zones (labeled A to R) based on the dendrogram. Interactive map >> Via www.vividmaps.com Related posts: -  Find cities with similar climate 2050 -  How global warming will impact 6000+ cities around the world?

Moose population in North America

The moose ( Alces alces ) is the largest member of the deer family, characterized by its massive size, long legs, and distinctive broad, palmate antlers found in males. They have a dark brown or black coat and a humped shoulder. Moose are primarily found in the boreal and mixed deciduous forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are solitary animals, often found near bodies of water, and are herbivores that feed on leaves, bark, twigs, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their size, moose are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. The moose population in North America is shrinking swiftly. This decrease has been correlated to the opening of roadways and landscapes into this animal's north range.   In North America, the moose range includes almost all of Canada and Alaska, the northern part of New England and New York, the upper Rocky Mountains, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Isle Royale.    In 2014-2015, the North American moo

Map of Fox Species Distribution

Foxes are small to medium-sized members of the Canidae family, which also includes wolves, dogs, and other related animals. There are about 37 species of foxes distributed around the world, and they inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. Below is the map of fox species distribution  created by Reddit user isaacSW Here are some of the most well-known fox species and their distribution: Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ): The red fox is one of the most widely distributed fox species and is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Arctic Fox ( Vulpes lagopus ): The Arctic fox is found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They have adaptations that help them survive in cold climates, such as a thick coat that changes color with the seasons. Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ): The gray fox