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Tips for Eco-Friendly Architectural Designs & Green Buildings

Updated: Jun 5, 2023

Speaking of biophilic design, we would like to share our research on sustainable products and an environmentally friendly design approach. The concept of sustainability has started to be used frequently in interior design, especially in recent years, as it is the subject of many disciplines. The importance of environmentally friendly, nature-respecting sustainable designs is increasing in order to prevent global warming and many related disasters, which are caused by the misuse of nature by humans. Research published in the International Journal of the Sustainable Built Environment (ESID) explained that with sustainable interior design strategies, it can benefit on a global scale. (Ferris, B.,2020)


Image Credit: Therapinterior


By examining our suggestions on how to apply eco-friendly interior design principles in your home, you can create a space that causes the least damage to nature and makes maximum use of it.


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Recycled Wood

For wooden furniture, which is used extensively in the interior, cutting and processing of live wood is necessary. Only the use of wood materials may create a natural effect in the interior, but unfortunately it does not mean that it is an environmentally friendly approach. Instead, you can opt for recycled wood. Recycled wood recycles old material, giving it a new and environmentally friendly life. They offer great design options for coffee tables, decorative beams and shelves.


Bamboo

This tropically grown material is very similar to wood, but with a much higher strength than wood, it provides long-term use. In addition, it is a highly sustainable option, as it is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. You can have environmentally friendly and useful furniture by choosing bamboo instead of using wooden materials.


Recycled Metal

You can contribute to sustainability by using recycled metal, which adds an industrial touch to interiors with its reflective and elegant effect. Recycled metal requires fewer resources and can be recycled without breaking down, as well as less processed. Moreover, there is no difference in appearance from the new one. With these features, you can use recycled metal in furniture without hesitation.


Recycled Plastic

Plastic waste is one of the most important materials that harm the ecosystem, especially by causing water pollution. A type of recycled plastic called polyethylene is high-density, resistant to fading in colors and can be used easily in many furniture, yarns and carpets due to its heavy weight.



jute fiber texture

Jute Fibers

Jute material is obtained from the fast growing and easily renewable jute plant. It has high strength and heat preservation, so it is not only a sustainable material in homes, but also adds a natural effect with earth tones and is a very useful material. Jute rugs are available in many different styles such as Tropical, Exotic and minimal.



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cork material texture

Cork

Cork material can add a different texture to your space with its retro effect. Although this material is perceived as a soft and easily perishable material from the outside, it actually gives the feeling of parquet. You can choose this material to create a useful, stylish and environmentally friendly space, as it is a material that can be recycled over and over again and is produced without harming the trees.



Use environmentally friendly paints and coatings


When it comes to sustainability in the interior, not only the construction materials of the products, but also the coating materials such as paint and varnish play an important role. The feature sought for this is that the content of volatile organic compounds is as low as possible.


VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) found in standard paints can spread indoors, causing symptoms such as lethargy, headache and fatigue, especially the emergence of symptoms related to the nervous system, and many ailments from nausea to kidney damage. The effects can increase depending on the intensity of the exposure and pollute indoor air as well as outdoor air exposed to VOCs. To reduce your ecological footprint, keep these eco-friendly coatings in mind:


Non-toxic paints "Low VOC" paints and coatings Low biocidal paints Clay plaster Micro concrete Water-based paint, stains and sealants Latex paint


Environmentally Friendly Approach in Lighting

Lighting is as important as furniture in interior design. We can achieve both a budget and an environmentally friendly design by showing the sensitivity we show to the light level and the forms of the lightings, as well as the long-lasting and sustainable light sources. LED bulbs consume between 4-14 Watts of electricity depending on the light power. This corresponds to one-fifth of conventional bulbs and one-third of energy-saving light bulbs. On the other hand, it has the same luminous power (Lumens). Its service life is 2-3 times that of its closest competitor, mini fluorescent lamps, with 25 thousand hours. It's also solid and safe. There is no mercury in the LED bulb. (source: t24) In addition, you can use led bulbs in the lighting you want, so you just need to change the bulb without any intervention in your lighting design.


Bioethanol fireplace


Fireplaces filled with bioethanol, an alternative fuel source that reduces harmful emissions, are useful and environmentally friendly options in interior design. The Renewable Fuels Association declared that this type of fuel is water-soluble, non-toxic, and rapidly biodegradable. (Ferris, B.,2020) It provides a cleaner air due to its low carbon dioxide emission compared to wood. In addition, you can easily use bioethanol in all areas you want, which does not need any chimney outlet.



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