Many large commercial properties now take advantage of installing a green roof - this is mainly due to the expanse of roof they have, which obviously means they gain greatly from it. One example of this is the Newton building at Nottingham Trent University that has approximately 2,500sqm worth of sedum varieties that have become an ecosystem for insects and larger wildlife…
But how can a Green Roof really help us and our homes?
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We’ve already started talking about the idea of compact or ‘tiny’ living and how there are some great examples of how to do it well out there.. If you haven’t seen those yet jump back for a minute and have a look at An Intro to Compact Living, Compact Living vs. My living Space and Hacks for Living in a Tiny Space … I promise they’re not long and super easy reads!
Right, now we’re back and all caught up let’s be frank…
First of all ‘Compact Living’ is not going to suit everyone. I’ve got to hazard a guess and say most people are forced into it. One great example is your room in university halls - but they are intentionally designed to work for what you typically need.
Following this idea let’s jump straight into the pro’s and con’s for the people that are considering downsizing...
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A relatively simple way to introduce renewable energy into new and existing homes…
By now we’ve all heard of solar power, whether it’s powering your little garden lights or your home the concept is still pretty much the same.
Solar Panels (or Photovoltaics/PV) take the sun’s energy (renewable energy) and then convert it into electricity that we can use to heat or light our homes. Traditionally solar panels are installed on the roof however they have been known to also be installed in gardens, green roofs and smaller outbuildings.
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Of course not! As we already talked about when looking at an introduction to compact living there are some key things that you do need to consider when downsizing or living in a small space..
Everything can be multi-functional - Furniture choices are key.
Keep it light and airy - Don’t over-do it on lots of colours.
Integrate some soft edges in the space e.g. round table.
Make sure you have sufficient storage - As they say, out of sight out of mind…
Introduce plants into the place - bring the outside in.
As we’ve already talked about in Introduction to Self-build let’s take a look at some skills that you might want to start learning before jumping in! You can get a basic introduction to all of these skills/practices through some online research however when it comes to perfecting your skills or more complicated trade do consider taking a course or using professionals.
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As we’ve already talked about throughout the minimalism series and property posts the spaces we are living in are progressively becoming smaller and smaller. Likely this is due to the fact that there is more demand for home and lets face it no more land to really build on.
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As more and more people are realising the importance of becoming more sustainable in todays world we need to realise that it really is not as easy as it might sound.
Now to achieve the best sustainable living circumstance on a daily basis it really needs to be accompanied by some integrated sustainable design. Some of you might not see the difference between the two but one can very easily influence the other…
Sustainable Design focuses on integrating sustainable energy into everyday life as well as creating physical objects that are less wasteful and more durable for the long term.
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With Self-Build it’s not really about the biggest, most extravagant or most expensive house, it’s about creating a space for yourself, by yourself.
Now don’t get me wrong I know there are specialist trades that I would definitely reply on in this situation such as plumbers and electricians however with houses being so expensive and people becoming more demanding knowing what they want many people are turning towards self-build as an option.
Self-Build is the idea that you have a good input of planning, designing and building your home/renovation/extension. Hopefully by you being involved in the process and contributing to actual building works not only do you end up with a home you love but you also gain some knowledge on the way.
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Compact living is simply the idea that more and more of us are living in smaller spaces and frankly these spaces need to do more for us in 2020 than ever before.
Ideally the concept of compact living is having the intention of making the most of the small space you have.
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Nearly everywhere I turn over the past year there has been some mention of minimalism or simple living. Now I think I’ve always been accustomed to ‘simple living’, also known for me as being too lazy to deal with the latest fashion trends or products that are being pushed onto us daily. But for some people the movement has really changed their lives dramatically…
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