Provided by: ZenniHome
ZeniHome leverages sustainable design principles to build affordable one- and two-bedroom homes with modern flair, smart home technology, and the richness of innovative, green living. doing. Houses can be built alone or stacked up to five stories high.
The housing industry is finding itself in the midst of this major transformation, as environmental awareness becomes more important than ever.
Once a niche concept, sustainable housing has now moved to the forefront of architectural innovation and urban planning. With an increased emphasis on conserving resources, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting healthier living environments, sustainable housing trends are impacting the way homes and communities are built.
Take a look at some of the key trends and influences in the move to green the housing sector, including passive house design, net-zero energy homes, green building materials, smart home technology, green roofs and vertical gardens. Next, we will discuss the efforts currently being made to build sustainable homes.
passive house design
Imagine a house so energy efficient that it could be heated with just a hair dryer. It may seem impossible, but that's exactly what Passive House stands for.
Passive house design principles are gaining attention around the world as an effective way to minimize energy consumption in buildings. In a typical house, there is an unnecessary flow of energy between the outside and the inside. (Think of how the inside of a home gets hot during the summer, and how warm air escapes during the winter.) But Passive House buildings are airtight, preventing that back-and-forth airflow. The building has a highly functional facade that maintains a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. round.
Passive Houses achieve all this through green strategies such as super insulation, airtight construction, and high-performance windows. Passive House design strategies can be used in both new and existing buildings, such as hospitals, schools, and high-rise buildings, in any climate.
net zero energy home
A home that produces the same amount of energy as it uses in a year is considered a net zero energy home. These homes generate electricity using renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. These are combined with energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems to minimize consumption. With careful planning and innovative technology, net-zero energy homes are not only environmentally friendly, but also economically beneficial, providing homeowners with long-term energy bill savings.
Zero-energy homes are built to similar makes and models as regular homes, but are built to higher standards.Excellent airtightness and insulation, carbon-free and highly energy efficient
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “Zero-energy homes are more than just 'green homes' or homes with solar panels.” “Zero energy homes combine advanced design and superior building systems, energy efficiency and on-site solar panels to create better homes. Zero energy homes are extremely comfortable, healthy, and quiet. It's sustainable, affordable housing.”
green building materials
The choice of building materials plays an important role in the ultimate sustainability of a home. From reclaimed wood and recycled steel to bamboo and hemp concrete, green building materials are becoming increasingly popular due to their low environmental impact and durability.
According to the website GreenCitizen, the best sustainable materials for eco-friendly homes include:
bamboo. Recycled steel. Reclaimed wood. cork. Straw bales. Rammed earth. Recycled plastic. sheep's wool. Hemp concrete. Recycled glass. Sun-dried bricks (sad-dried bricks). Green (living) roof. It is a low VOC paint. solar tiles. paper concrete. wood concrete.
By choosing renewable, non-toxic and locally sourced materials, homeowners can reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects while promoting a healthier indoor environment free of harmful chemicals.
smart home technology
Integrating smart home technology into sustainable homes allows for greater control and optimization of energy usage.
From programmable thermostats and smart lighting systems to energy monitoring devices and automated appliances, these technologies allow homeowners to make informed decisions about energy consumption and reduce waste. . Many can be configured to function at a lower capacity when residents are away or asleep, reducing energy usage by 15% to 20%.
By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and data analytics, smart homes can adapt to occupant preferences and environmental conditions to maximize efficiency and comfort.
Rooftop greenery and vertical gardens
Green roofs and vertical gardens are transforming urban landscapes by adding greenery to densely populated areas and mitigating the heat island effect.
In addition to providing aesthetic value, these living infrastructure elements also provide numerous environmental benefits, including improved air quality, reduced stormwater runoff, and improved insulation. By incorporating vegetation into building designs, sustainable housing projects can be in harmony with nature and contribute to creating more resilient and livable cities.
Sustainable manufactured housing practices
A company with ties to Utah is ushering in a major move into the housing industry. ZenniHome, along with our Salt Lake City-based leadership group, leverages cutting-edge technology and sustainable design principles to create affordable homes with modern flair, smart home technology, and innovative, green living. We are promoting 1 and 2 bedroom homes. Thrive.
Of particular interest is the fact that the houses can be built alone or stacked up to five floors, providing an ideal solution for developers building multifamily projects. Each house is constructed of steel and features robotic walls and furniture to make better use of the available space, and each room can be used for multiple purposes. Additional sustainable features include solar power integration to reduce dependence on the traditional power grid and a piping system that separates gray water and black water to promote efficient water use and reuse. Masu.
“We don't just build homes,” said Bob Worsley, CEO and founder of ZeniHome. “We create a lifestyle that embraces environmental stewardship and social consciousness. Sustainability is at the forefront of our mission, and it is emulated in every aspect of our home design. Our deliberate decision to produce a smaller-than-average home promotes a simpler, more thoughtful way of living while significantly reducing utility bill demands.”
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, the Navajo Nation announced grants totaling $74 million to ZeniHome. The grant includes $50 million from the Navajo Nation Community Housing and Infrastructure Authority and will provide a minimum of 250 ZenniHome units to high-need residents across the Navajo Nation.
Additionally, in partnership with Indigenous Design Studio + Architecture (IDS+A), $24 million from the American Rescue Plan Act will help ZeniHome build a second factory next to its first near Page, Arizona. used to expand production.
The homes ZeniHome provides to the Navajo Nation meet critical housing needs and stimulate economic development. The 2011 Navajo Housing Report found that 90 percent of all Navajo homes are in need of replacement or major repairs. According to a 2009 study by the Navajo Housing Authority, 34,100 new housing units are needed to meet demand. However, as time has passed since the survey and tribal enrollment has increased, this number is likely to be higher. Other factors, such as the pandemic.
ZeniHome, whose employees are mostly Navajo workers, has a goal of making its factory the most productive housing factory in the world. Once the expansion is completed by the end of 2025, this factory will allow him to produce up to 25 housing units per day. ZenniHome is currently already producing homes. Earlier this month, nine units were delivered to Los Milix Vineyards near Tucson, Arizona.
“By working with ZeniHome, we're doing more than just building homes,” said Navajo Nation President Boo Nygren. “We are promoting a more sustainable future for the Navajo Nation, where all people have access to affordable, quality housing and economic growth and stability.”
To learn more about ZenniHome and its final stages of crowdfunding, Worsley is hosting a webinar on Monday from 4 to 5 p.m. More information can be found at https://lu.ma/y04hgfix.
In conclusion, sustainable housing trends are reshaping the way we envision, design, and inhabit our living spaces. By adopting passive design, net-zero energy and affordable housing principles, employing green building materials, leveraging smart technology and integrating green infrastructure, we are creating a greener environment for generations to come. We can build a kinder, more resilient future.
As the demand for sustainable housing continues to grow, so too will the innovation and creativity driving the transformative movement towards a more sustainable and harmonious built environment.
Doug Fox is a project manager at Fullcast, a Silicon Slopes-based end-to-end RevOps platform that enables companies to design, manage, and track the performance of their revenue-generating teams.
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