ECO HOMES: A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR MODERN LIVING

             The concept of an Eco-house (or Eco-home), an environmentally low-impact home designed and built using materials and technology that reduces its carbon footprint and lowers its energy needs, is an upcoming and intriguing concept. Presently, around 40% of the carbon footprint is generated by construction and buildings industry due to various processes like lighting, cooling, and heating of building materials (outlook India), it is imperative to explore concepts like Eco-homes that supports in meeting sustainability needs such as conserving water, reducing wastes, controlling emission, generating energy, and supporting its conservation, thereby reducing building’s carbon footprint. The paper presents and discusses one of the success stories of such eco-home and elaborates its building service system.

            The evident results of climate change and global warming including erratic weather changes have made people more aware about the impacts of their activities on nature and its cycles. Enhancing awareness has led to many global trends to work towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices. Energy efficient and sustainable homes is one among many practices that have gained much popularity in recent years. Eco homes, also known as sustainable homes, offer a practical solution that enables people to live in a manner that is both comfortable and environmentally sustainable.

               The philosophy behind eco homes is that one can live a comfortable lifestyle without degrading the environment. Eco homes are built with the aim of reducing the impact that homes have on the environment. Unlike traditional homes, which are designed primarily for comfort and aesthetics, eco homes are designed to incorporate sustainable materials and techniques that reduce energy consumption. They offer an opportunity to live in surroundings that are free from toxins and waste, thereby ensuring a healthy living environment. Moreover, eco homes offer significant energy savings, which translates into lower utility costs. With the use of sustainable materials, eco homes are also able to minimize construction waste and reduce the need for maintenance. Eco homes are designed to utilize natural resources, such as sunlight and wind, in order to provide cooling, heating, and lighting. Some of the common techniques used in the construction of eco homes are:

• Passive Solar Design: Passive solar design makes use of the sun’s natural energy to provide heating and cooling. This design incorporates features such as large windows, insulated walls, and a well-ventilated roof, all of which are aimed at regulating the temperature inside the home. 
• Insulation: Thorough insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors plays a critical role in the energy efficiency of eco homes. Insulation minimizes energy loss and ensures that the home stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 
• Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater harvesting entails the collection of rainwater for use in various domestic purposes such as toilet flushing and irrigation. By utilizing rainwater for domestic purposes, eco homes are able to conserve water and minimize the need for expensive water supply methods.  
• Use of Sustainable Materials: The use of sustainable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass is a hallmark of eco homes. These materials are eco-friendly and durable, making them an ideal choice for a sustainable home.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE ECOHOUSE 

The house features an open plan design, allowing natural light to flood in and creating a feeling of spaciousness. The interiors are decorated with a minimalistic approach, with neutral colors and simple furnishings that spotlight the unique architectural design of the house. The living room features floor to ceiling windows that offer unobstructed views of the gardens and outdoors. The furniture used indoors is majorly made from cane or bamboo with cotton upholstery, and the curtains used are made of jute, which can be used for composting once its designated life is over. The sloping roof of the house  ensures that the indoor temperature is maintained using the stack effect - where the hot air rises and exits through the highest point of the roof and is replaced by the cool air in the lower habitable level. The indoor temperature is also regulated using the indoor ponds which offer a way to cool the interiors by adding moisture in the air.

1. Zero power

• Solar and wind power – The roof angle is selected in such a way that solar panel can be laid directly on it without having any fabricated structure which looks artificial. The Solar Panel capacity is 7.5 KW. A hybrid system installed for producing enough electricity throughout the year. One small windmill is also installed to cater to the house’s needs during monsoon when sky is cloudy, and the Solar output is lesser. The windmill runs almost 24 hours a day during monsoons due to the wind conditions. A part of the solar power is stored in the battery and the rest of it is fed back into the grid. 
• Passive solar principles- The residence is designed with passive solar principles, which ensures that the home remains cool in the summer and warm in the winter, in turn reducing the electricity requirement. The large windows oriented towards the south captures maximum sunlight, while the roof is designed to provide shading during the summer months.

2. Sustainable materials

One of the most unique features of the villa is the use of ecofriendly materials. The house is constructed using locally sourced materials such as stone, brick, and concrete, which are known for their durability and sustainability. Mr. Patel has also made use of recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, which adds a touch of rustic charm to the house. The walls of the house are constructed using stone and exposed bricks and designed using a type of wall construction known as rattrap bond. In this type of wall construction, there is a hollow cavity that provides insulation to the indoor environment from the outdoor environment. Certain intricate elements such as adding holes in the walls to accommodate bird nests make the residence even more appealing. Mr. Patel proudly calls them as “Living walls”.

3. Water requirement 

Water requirement is fulfilled by capturing the water from the rains that fall on the roof, and the water is stored in tanks that are placed above living room, which ensures that the water comes down through natural gravity and maintains adequate water pressure. The excess water, after passing through three-chambered filter using sand, gravel and charcoal medium respectively, is stored away in an underground tank of 2,00,000 lakh liter capacity for domestic consumption. These three chambered filters are constructed with RCC. The first chamber comprises of a SS sieve over bed of gravel which will remove leaf and other such impurities. Second chamber has wood charcoal under a layer of sand while the third chamber again has SS sieve again which does not let sand flow into the tank. Then there is a system of groundwater recharging as the water falling on the rooftop is either collected in the water tank or goes into the earth after passing through the filter comprising of bricks and gravel.

                Drinking water requirement is met by using a “five-pot” water purification system, where the water is made to seep through five pots which have limestone chips, coconut shell charcoal, fine sand in the second, third and fourth pot. In the fifth pot, which has drinkable water, a silver coin is placed. This system naturally removes off impurities such as sediments and e-coli bacteria besides adding crucial minerals and ensure that the water is fit for drinking.