Why is it that these Mac Mansions stress the occupants more, is it not just because they cost more to run but the fact that the materials used are full of toxins and also mainly because the orientation, proportions, natural materials used and environmental factors are non existent.
Look at the way buildings in poorer countries use materials that are closer to the site (organic) and type of materials are closer to the area. If you want stone as walling then go get it from the closest quarry to avoid transport costs and help a local too. Same goes for all the other materials that you need.
This doesn't mean that you have to build out of mud brick and thatch roof, but the principal is that there is a significant environmental cost to this planet to import materials from afar.
If you can, go get a Dowser that can feel the underground electrical fields and the underground water table.
As this can effect you well being. The Chinese never built a home until that was done in the past as these fields can effect your mood and health.
Look at the `Golden Mean` the proportion of 1 to 1.618 that was reflected by Fibonacci and Leonardo Da Vinci.
You will find not only the worlds most beautiful buildings used this proportion but it is everywhere in nature, even the Milky Ways spirals are a reflection of this special mathematical ratio.
Think of these points relating to building a home as you would to preparing a meal using organic food.
The manner in which the ingredients are prepared are the same, and we all know how much healthier organic foods are for you.
I suggest that you research and inquire through your designer or architect the availability of organic materials and how to use them, they all have the skills and knowledge to do that for you, its just that we are too lazy to implement them.
Talk to any plumber about recycling grey water for example or storing water underground for reuse and they will get excited but will say that its too hard to do and better to flush it away for a plant to process.
We have come to expect that pushing a button will alleviate the problem, but we should be responsible for our services coming into our homes and our wastes going out.
Recycled materials such as windows and doors are a great way of making our homes more interesting and relieving pressure on our forests and timber industries. thereby becoming an eco-home.
Paints and glues for joinery are a concern as they can release toxins over time that effect us in many ways.
Whereas organic paints can be beneficial to us such as using Sisal matting for our floors.
Remember that you should live simply so that others can simply live.
Plants inside can freshen up the oxygen levels and growing your own vegetables using composted material from kitchen waste is great for your well being.
A house that is well orientated and ventilated rather than conditioned is better for you, how many times have you caught a cold from the first blast of the air conditioner for the year.
Always remember that you are responsible for your health and that you can make difference just by researching and asking the question.... how can I make my home healthier?
If you do then you will leave a lasting legacy for future generations that will thank you for the home that you built rather than a disposable house that would last barely two generations before it becomes irrelevant.
Elvio Ferrara is a local building designer in Adelaide Australia that works from home and deals mainly with renovating eco homes that are about 100 years old.
Building Or Buying A Good Garage
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