Prefab houses acquired a poor reputation in the past century, but it is time to reconsider the prefabricated house, now known as modular houses. Modular houses today often showcase the most recent advances in green construction and technology, such as net-zero emissions, solar panels, rainwater systems, and the use of recycled materials.
Waste minimization
Waste management is one of the most significant advantages of modular houses being sustainable design buildings. Because modular houses are manufactured in factories to exact proportions, there is no need for surplus material, which considerably decreases construction waste. Prefabrication of trusses, frames and other components may save waste by 52%.
Because modular houses are built to tight specifications, they eliminate waste on the job site. Given that repair and construction waste account for over 40% of landfills, the fact that modular homes greatly minimize this is a key bonus for eco-conscious homeowners.
Say welcome to lower energy costs
Energy usage in a family may be reduced by up to 72% with self-sufficient modular dwellings. Self-sufficient modular houses are often powered by solar panels, reducing the need for electricity from regular grids. In addition, homeowners might use energy batteries to store extra solar energy. A residence may consume exclusively solar-generated power by utilizing the stored energy overnight, creating net zero modular homes. Furthermore, some modular houses may sell extra solar energy back to the grid.
Also, better insulation may result in lower energy expenses. Homeowners may install cladding made of low-cost composite panels, which can considerably increase a home’s insulation, or they can install double-glazed windows and doors. They not only save energy but also enhance house acoustics and minimize noise pollution.
Conserve water
Another reason self-sufficient modular houses are more environmentally beneficial is their water efficiency. Solar-powered water heating systems may minimize a household’s energy use for water heating by delivering up to 90% of hot water. These houses are often constructed to reduce heat loss from pipes by grouping rooms that need water, such as the bathroom and kitchen; this design results in shorter water lines and less heat loss.
Healthier homes
Modular homes are often held to greater ecological standards than traditional housing, with an emphasis on clean and green energy and the use of non-toxic or low VOC materials. Some conventional construction and cleaning products, such as PVC cement, refrigerator units, and some plywoods, contain Volatile Organic Compounds, which emit toxins into the air and are regarded to be harmful to one’s health. Some modular homes are also ready to go with eco-extras like green or wildflower roofs.
Eco-friendly materials
For interior walls, insulation, and roofing, modular buildings often employ the most recent recycled construction materials, and their interior and roof panels employ FSC-certified lumber and recyclable materials. High-quality insulation is essential for energy efficiency; excellent insulation should keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, using less energy to heat and cool it. The finest eco-friendly modular house businesses employ SIPS (Structural Insulating Panel System) for insulation. Modular houses are on the bleeding edge of eco-friendly architectural design, with features like bamboo flooring and VOC-free paint, rainwater collecting systems, and homes that meet LEED silver, gold, or platinum criteria.
Hutter Architects‘ design philosophy is based on building sustainable spaces that enable people to flourish. We think that when your place supports who you are in every manner, you are freer to go out into the world and achieve remarkable things.