Gaby
The modern world faces a host of challenges—climate change, dwindling natural resources, an aging population, and rapid urban growth. As a result, people need a different quality of life, one that eco-friendly homes can provide.
This is the focus of Avi Friedman’s new book, “Houses of the Future: Sustainable Innovative Projects” (Images Publishing, Australia). Here are a few of the designer buildings that offer an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing lifestyle.
SysHaus (São Paulo, Brazil)
Architect Arthur Casas designed these projects for prefabricated-home company SysHaus. According to Architectural Digest, all construction materials are recyclable. Homeowners can opt for a grassy green roof like the one on this São Paulo house, a rainwater collection system, solar panels, and a bioreactor that converts waste into gas for heating or cooking.
Holmberg House (Belgrano, Argentina)
One standout feature of the Holmberg House is an innovative water-supply and circulation system. It works like a gym for the plants covering the façade, creating a unique microclimate. Pipes running along the façade move water from one reservoir to another.
Living Screen House (Sydney, Australia)
Besides a corridor pool that runs between the home’s walls, its most striking feature is the façade: a wooden lattice punctuated with windows and perforated metal panels.
The house looks vibrant, but its real strength is light. Autonomous wall screens with LED backlighting are scattered throughout the space, filling the interior with brightness. The home has a smart system that monitors electricity use and can switch off lights to save energy. Solar panels cover the roof, and the house collects and reuses water.
Limestone House (Melbourne, Australia)
Designed by John Wardle Architects, Limestone House in Melbourne was built to Passivhaus standards (low energy use through passive design) and meets the Living Building Challenge for minimal environmental impact. Its airtight construction, triple-glazed windows, and high-efficiency insulation mean the house needs very little energy for heating or cooling.
Đai Kim House (Hanoi, Vietnam)
The design of Đai Kim House in Hanoi prioritizes maximum ventilation for residents. The developers also aimed to “counter monotony,” which led to a unique, colorful façade. The result improves the neighborhood’s appearance and gives residents a stronger sense of individuality.
Marmalade Lane Cohousing Project (Cambridge, UK)
Designed by Mole Architects, the Marmalade Lane cohousing project brings together residents who want a socially active, eco-friendly lifestyle. Neighbors know one another and help each other out. Modular units range from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses. Like other cohousing communities, Marmalade Lane includes shared spaces—a library, kitchen, sauna, children’s room, and more. Parking is located outside the residential complex.
Hammarby Sjöstad (Stockholm, Sweden)
This residential complex in Stockholm was built with one primary goal: to give residents alternatives to the car. Currently, there are no cars in this area. The neighborhood’s success comes from strategies by Stockholm’s authorities and developers, including easy access to public transit, wide sidewalks, and placing homes close to business and retail districts.
