It is best to thoroughly understand your property’s potential for eco-friendly optimization by understanding the various possibilities available at your construction site and considering any inherent limitations.
One opportunity right out of the gate is having your purpose-built mini home constructed entirely or partially off-site. Off-site construction offers a streamlined and minimally invasive building process. Learn more about pre-fabs and kit homes.
Sustainability can happen throughout your project. However, you should prioritize quintessential structural elements as they are permanent and can’t be changed.
Walls
There are multiple options for eco-friendly walls. Amongst the rising stars are Structural Insulation Panels, or SIPs. They arrive on-site pre-built and insulated.
Less on-site labor is required to install them, and they create an air-tight structure when fully assembled. The Seattle Pre-Approved DADU list includes a design that uses SIPs.
Roofing
Commonly roofs are made of asphalt shingles. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles take between 300-400 years to fully decompose. In addition, Petroleum is a primary component of asphalt shingles and releases greenhouse gasses.
However, there a many sustainable options with varying price ranges. You can consider more sustainable options like a metal, white or green roof. Sustainable roofing is not only better for the health of our environment they’re more durable and require less maintenance.
Insulation
There are multiple ways to keep your tiny home warm and cool. Of course, your materials and insulation installation methods will impact your budget. But, in the long run, state-of-the-art, non-toxic insulation will positively impact the quality of your space and keep those monthly energy bills down!
It is worth the time to ask about and research your insulation options. It’s good to be satisfied with your behind the wall choices.
Drywall
You can be creative with your interior walls and forgo drywall by choosing eco-friendly materials to cover your walls. Unfortunately, there are multiple problems with environmentally unfriendly drywall; sadly, it is prolific. An epic amount of drywall finds its way to landfills, where its smelly toxins leech into groundwater. In addition, when drywall gets wet, it is toast!
With a thorough design plan, you can find a sturdy, long-lasting, sustainable material to cover your walls that will give your DADU a distinctive look while staying true to your interior design. Some options to consider include the following. Tile, PVC, or recycled plant fiber 3d walls, rammed earth panels, shiplap, and metal.
Siding
The various siding options have their pros and cons. So, in addition to researching eco-friendly siding materials, it’s vital to consider your region’s climate and how the natural elements will affect your structure.
With the relentless barrage of winter rain in Seattle, material consideration should be a priority. For example, fiber Cement Siding and Cedar Bevel Siding are resistant to rot and pests. In addition, other sustainably harvested woods can be a good choice. Fortunately, there are numerous options, from brick to metal, so there is plenty of choices to consider during your exterior design process!
DADUs are here, and their future is green! As you move through the design process, you can choose eco-friendly systems, equipment, finishes, and furniture to outfit your DAD sustainably. We recommend researching your options to help you make an informed budget, design, and material decisions.
If you are interested in constructing a sustainably built backyard cottage, contact us we will help you from the ground up!