Molly's House is An Eco Friendly Island Getaway - The Views From The Patio Are Amazing!

Eco-Friendly Design for Gatherings

Molly's House is an eco-friendly tiny home designed for gathering. This modestly-sized cottage getaway was designed for a young woman and her friends, and the house accommodates people in both the sleeping loft and the bunk-room. The main spaces of the home make for the best entertaining areas. These entertaining areas are centered on stone hearths, both inside and outside of the home underneath the overhanging rooflines.

Strategic Location and Sustainable Materials

The cabin building's plan and the orientation of the house take full advantage of the ocean views and the seasonal sun angles while still managing to minimize the physical impact on the landscape. Molly's House is built adjacent to a densely wooded location on the island, full of saplings that would otherwise not grow to maturity because of the density of the forest. These trees were selectively harvested and then incorporated into the design of the roof structure. Molly's House won the Western Living Magazine Residential Design Award, for Best Small House 2007.

Considerations for Eco-Friendly Home Design

When it comes to eco-friendly home design, there are several things to consider. Being more eco-friendly will not only help you contribute to a more sustainable environment, but it can also save you money. For starters, you want to think about water. Most people when they think of eco-friendly homes, think of how it relates to energy consumption. But if you want to be truly eco-friendly, you should also consider saving water. Something as simple as not running the tap when you are brushing your teeth is a good way to save. It is also a good idea to install a low-flow shower-head, as a good way to save a substantial amount of water for a family of four.

Energy Efficiency with Smart Meters

Another good idea is to install a smart meter. The heating you choose for your home is one of the biggest ways that you will use energy. And it can be easy, especially during the colder winter months, to leave your heat on for longer than you need it. This can lead to a lot of wasted energy and wasted money. The best way to help combat this is to install a smart meter. Smart meters, when used in the home, can be programmed so that they only turn on at certain times of the day. An example might be turning on the heat just before you get home, and shutting off the heat an hour or so before you leave the house. Smart meters are a must for anyone who is looking to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease their energy bills.

Long-Term Benefits of Solar Panels

Installing solar panels is another popular way to make your home eco-friendly. Solar panels provide you with completely clean electricity, and they can sometimes even make enough energy so you can sell some back to the grid. Solar panels are a long-term investment with an initial investment that may take up to 20 years for you to break depending on where you live. You can feel good about installing solar panels as they are an excellent opportunity to be eco-friendly.