It is often the easiest, fastest, and cheapest to realize a standard extension, conservatory, carport, dormer window, or any other renovation. But not always the most fun or useful. With these 5 outside box ideas, you can create a nicer or more energy-efficient home especially.
1. More light and air thanks to the cuckoo
In the case of an extension or extension, a bedroom can be integrated and deprived of outside light and air. Architect Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes found a magnificent solution for this. His variant on the 'cuckoo', or an architectural construction for more daylight, removes a strip from the extension's roof so that the indoor room can have a window. As a result, after the renovation, you can rightly say: 'Thank you, the cuckoo!'. And so, as you can see in the images below, about natural light, fresh air, and a special view.
2. A glass cube is a real eye-catcher
Be inspired by the Apple Store in Austin and realize a glass cube as an extension or superstructure. And are you having the cube made of triple (H+++) glass? Why? Well, first of all, because it is a real eye-catcher, as this custom home builder in Austin proves. In addition, you can enjoy a lot of natural light during the day and the starry sky at night. Then your extension or superstructure is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and therefore always very energy-efficient.
3. A spiral staircase is the linchpin in your home
Are you going to renovate, and don't you live super spacious? Then consider a space-saving staircase. A regular, fixed staircase will quickly cost you 2 m 2. While some spiral staircases – also called spiral staircases – take up barely 1 m 2. In a spiral staircase, the steps are placed around a pivot (=pole), whereby the steps turn upwards in a semi-circle or full circle. Spiral staircases come in different materials, such as metal, wood, and cast iron.
Please note: a spiral staircase is particularly visually determinative. So first, ask yourself if you want your stairs to be a visual magnet. And if so, think extra carefully about the design and material.
4. A courtyard garden is extremely pleasant
Are you renovating, and do you have space to spare? Then consider turning it into a special indoor garden. Great to chill in during cold winter days or wet summer days! For example, is your living room, bedroom, or bathroom big enough? Then you can garden the space by building niches for planters, attaching hanging plants to the ceiling, or even creating a pond. Are you not so spacious in your space? Create a hanging garden by filling a bookcase or closed vertical pallet with plants, for example.
The result? Your house will become a very plant-based paradise where everyone immediately feels at ease. All those plants also provide more oxygen, higher humidity, and better acoustics. Green friends are even said to reduce stress and prevent allergies in children.
5. (Semi-)transparent solar panels: sunny electricity bill
For example, if you have an outside of a building, conservatory, roof, or carport made, consider not using ordinary glass but (semi-)transparent solar panels. Because the panels are transparent, they partly let the sunlight through. This way, you kill three birds with one stone: glass roof, sun protection, and solar power. There are non-insulated panels, but if you have a heart for sustainability, you should, of course, choose panels made of H+++ glass.
Ugly, those panels on the roof? Well no! Transparent solar panels do not have a noticeable aluminum edge, are not as thick as regular panels, and do not have a block motif. It is an investment for a while, but you will get a sunny energy bill in return for a long time!
