As our knowledge of sustainable products and architecture expands, designs for eco-homes have become more daring, and even more affordable. From $2,000 cube homes to some of the more elaborate Scandinavian designs, architecture teams have made it so that anyone, anywhere can enjoy an eco-home – no matter what the climate or budget. Students in CAD colleges are increasingly looking towards environmentally-conscious ways to build homes in order to keep up with home-owner demand. So, if you’re taking 3D CAD training and looking for some eco-inspiration of your own, check out these amazing ecologically-friendly home designs.
Snøhetta’s Zero Energy House
Norway is known as one of the leading countries in eco-friendly architecture and design. This angular, asymmetrical home from Snøhetta Architects is not only beautiful but is also held to some of the toughest energy standards any students in architectural CAD courses have ever seen. In fact, this house actually produces more energy than it uses. This is achieved through solar panels on the roof, a rainwater collection system, and efficient floor heating. Elements of the house are even designed to let more natural sunlight in so that less electricity is used.
Fincube by Studio Aisslingera
Designer Werner Aisslinger from Berlin has created a daring and space-conscious eco-home design called the Fincube. The home is intended to be mobile, and thus taken apart and reassembled wherever the owner wants. The home is made entirely of recyclable materials from local suppliers, and the small size of the house (8×8 meters) means that it leaves a very small carbon footprint. With its 360 degrees view, this transportable home is designed to be set up on the mountainside and taken wherever the nomadic human wishes to venture.
Waseda University Straw Home
Students at Japan’s Waseda University have gone back to the land to design their eco-friendly home. Hokkaido Island, where the house is built, is known for its dairy farms and therefore has plenty of straw. So naturally, the students decided to use straw as a natural and rustic home heating and cooling system. In the summer, the straw releases moisture from the heat, which then cools the house. In the winter, the organic particles in the straw break down and heat the home. The only downside to this simple insulation system is that the straw must be changed several times a year.
Are you interested in designing eco-homes? Which design here is your favourite?
