Close your eyes and imagine your dream home. If you’re thinking about vast open spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow a surge of natural light in, solar panels galore, and an ample outdoor living space, then you’re in good company.
Today, we can’t get enough of “green” building. From eco-friendly materials to nature-inspired designs, green building is now more popular than ever before. In fact, more than half of all potential homebuyers say energy efficiency and green building practices are important to them in the search for their next homes.
At House Tipster, we hear you loud and clear. We know you’re dying to get the latest news on innovative technologies, safe and sustainable building materials, and ideal floor plans for your own “green” home.
That’s one of the reasons we’re headed to Dwell on Design this weekend — to check out some of latest sustainable building trends. But did you know that there are over 200 exhibitors at the event? That means there will be a ton of vendors to interview to help you find the perfect “greenness” to add to your home.
Here are just a few companies and products to keep your eyes on if you’re looking to ramp up your home’s green features.
Going Green: Exteriors
Building with green materials isn’t difficult, especially if you’re “in the know” of some of the latest and greatest in green building materials.
Let’s start by talking about wood. After all, wood seems like it would be one of the first things you think about when deciding to “go green.” Unfortunately, many of our favorite woods like teak and cherry are not always harvested sustainably. To avoid purchasing unsustainable woods, look no further than Humboldt Redwood. You can use Humboldt Redwood for anything from your exposed beams to building frames. Best of all, their products are Forest Stewardship Council certified, meaning you can rest assured that they’re grown and harvested sustainably.
Photo courtesy of Humboldt Redwood
When it comes to building, wood is just the tip of the iceberg. You can also use aluminum. AL 13 Architectural Systems’ aluminum composite panels are hearty enough to stand up to the elements, and they’re also made of one of the most easily recycled materials on the market.
Photo courtesy of Architectural Systems
Along the same lines, Barema European Windows and Doors manufactures their creations out of aluminum as well. These windows and doors grace the highest-quality modern homes throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
Photo courtesy of Barema European Windows and Doors
And then we come to home barriers, which aren’t necessarily “sexy” but they’re a necessary part of any home build. Henry Blueskin vapor barriers and liquid flashing contain fewer chemicals than other brands, while still maintaining the same level of effectiveness.
Photo courtesy of Henry Blueskin
Going Green: Interiors
It’s just as important to be “green” inside as it is outside, for both personal health and environmental reasons.
To this day, some paints still contain VOCs and are unhealthy to breathe in, especially if you have young children. Avoid these chemicals and instead use products that are better for you and your family. For starters, try Dunn-Edwards Corporation paints. When you’re working with Dunn-Edwards paints, you know you’re using the best of the best. Not only is the paint the highest quality, but they produce it in the world’s only LEED Gold-certified manufacturing plant. If you want to avoid VOCs altogether, use the Dunn-Edwards Spartazero interior line of low odor/VOC-free paint.
Photo courtesy of Dunn-Edwards Corporation
If paint isn’t your forte, test out some other wall coverings from Archoterra. All their veneers and papers are created from recycled paper and bonding ages. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and come in a variety of styles to satisfy any design taste out there.
Photo courtesy of Archoterra
Natural stone checks most of the boxes of environmental-friendliness and are a must-have in green homes. Two stone importers located in the LA-area plan to be at Dwell on Design to showcase their products. Ollin International Imports offers some of rarest natural stones from around the world.
Photo courtesy of Ollin International Imports
Along the same lines, we’re also impressed by the natural stone selection and other surface options offered by Stoneville USA, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Stoneville USA, Inc.
Green building has never been easier thanks to the many environment-focused products on the market. The best part? They’re designed to make your home work better for you, your family, and the planet.
