I’m glad you're interested in creating an eco-friendly home! It's a significant step in preserving our environment for future generations.
I think the fundamental factors in designing an eco-friendly home include energy efficiency, water efficiency, and the use of sustainable building materials.
To optimize energy usage, it's worth considering the installation of premium insulation and energy-conserving windows to minimize heating and cooling demands. Another option is to integrate sustainable energy solutions, like solar panels or wind turbines, into your architectural plan. By prioritizing energy efficiency, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and enhance the overall sustainability of your building design.
As for water efficiency, think about installing low-flow fixtures and toilets, and possibly a rainwater collection system for garden use or a greywater system for non-potable uses.
On top of all that, you should use sustainable, recycled, or locally sourced materials for construction wherever possible. Eco-architects often use recycled, reclaimed, and low-impact materials to keep the environmental impact of the construction low. It also helps create great-looking and unique houses, you can click here to see some examples.