Green Magic Homes, also known as earth-sheltered homes, are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous benefits. These innovative homes are designed to blend into the natural landscape and provide a sustainable living solution. However, like any other construction technique, there are pros and cons to consider before opting for a green magic home. One of the main advantages of green magic homes is their energy efficiency. These homes are built underground or partially underground, which provides natural insulation, keeping the interior temperature stable. This natural insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and costs.
The Hobbits’ Houses – Magic Green Homes
One could realistically call it Hobbiton, a Hobbits’ village like those ones seen in the fantasy movies. But this time we are dealing with the very reality and not a rich imagination – an American company invented these prefabricated that are so easy to construct, with just about anyone being able to build one in just three days. Made from prefabricated vaulted panels, the flexible modular homes connect together without any need for special skills or heavy equipment. The homes can be covered with soil and geo-textiles to grow a living green roof.
The Green Magic Homes, as they are named, are composed of prefabricated vaulted panels manufactured with composite laminate materials, confined laterally by walls in reinforced soil, with a high index of stabilization and protection from climate meteorological harmful effects change and UV radiation. The technology is designed to adapt to any type of topography, either flat, with moderate land slopes or steep slopes, the company says on its website.
The Hobbits’ houses – modular homes under a layer of earth and grass
They are also are light weight, waterproof, mold resistant, impervious to rot and infestations, and offer infinite design possibilities. Flexible and durable, the structure will last for hundreds of years with minimal maintenance. Green Magic Homes are super insulated with a high stabilization index, are virtually earthquake proof, deflect tornadoes, offer maximum resistance against hurricanes and provides UV radiation protection.
The Hobbits’ houses – safe from nature’s wrath
Moreover, the Hobbits’ homes are quick and easy to assemble. Each component has perforated flaps that screw and seal together and are anchored to the foundation, which allows for fast installation and solid construction. No special skills or heavy equipment are required for assembly, just scaffolding.
The company’s inspiration came from traditional living structures, like the earth-covered homes in Iceland. The oldest and most enduring building methods use soil and sand as a building materials. Adobe, cob, rammed earth, and earth-sheltered construction, are being used as an alternative to more mainstream types of building. The concept of covering a structure with living earth and plants, and using the thermal stability and security provided by the proximity to the ground, is very appealing, designers say.
The Hobbits’ houses – different designs
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Homes are becoming increasingly greener, as great efforts are being made to introduce sustainable features into mainstream construction projects. “Going green” is certainly an idea worth entertaining. Its benefits can have a lasting impact for generations. However, what are the true pros and cons of fully embracing sustainable housing trends? More importantly, are green homes the next evolution in the real estate industry?
There doesn’t appear to be a single housing element left untouched by the green movement. Greener communities are being built, even in urban cores, construction materials and practices are becoming more eco-friendly, incentives are being touted for those that become more energy efficient, and many of these features are in demand.
However, far too many homeowners, home buyers, real estate investors and real estate agents still don’t fully understand the full picture. There is a lot that goes into the creation of green homes. Before you consider them a possibility for your investment business, it is important to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons they offer:
3 Pros of Green Homes
1. Cost Savings
As a real estate investor flipping houses or even renting out properties, going green can provide a myriad of cost effective benefits. In many areas, existing homes can receive thousands of dollars in rebates from local governments for installing features like rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels. The most advanced green homes, in the right areas, can realize zero utility bills (you still need rain and sun for these to work obviously). Compounded, these savings could add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a property.
2. Saving the Planet
Not everyone places an emphasis on the environment, but green homes make a huge difference. Their features dramatically reduce our carbon footprint. One agency estimates 40% of global primary energy consumption and 25% of carbon dioxide emissions actually come from existing buildings, not cars. Therefore, clean energy built into homes and used to produce homes can dramatically reduce pollution and preserve resources.
3. It’s a Must
While some eco-friendly and energy efficient features may be optional, increased regulations will eliminate a lot of choices in the future. Doing it right the first time, when rehabbing a property, could improve total returns in the long run. For real estate professionals, being socially responsible and environmentally conscious can go a long way in endorsements and public opinion.
3 Cons of Green Homes
1. High Costs
While it is true that energy efficient features can save a lot of money, and some property designs have achieved affordability, it would be misleading to say going green was always cheaper. Do the math carefully before making changes. While some additions do save money in the long run, upfront costs can be large.
2. Liability
One of the least recognized benefits of new materials being used in construction and interior design today is how much healthier they can be. Of course, on the other hand, there are many new materials being re-purposed for use in homes which haven’t been evaluated long enough to confirm they are safe for living with. Make sure you complete your due diligence and don’t end up with a lawsuit down the line. Use materials that have been confirmed safe to avoid any complications.
3. Financing & Permitting Challenges
Eco-friendly designs are being pushed to new limits, as many creative concepts are popping up on college campuses and in the media. However, these can present big surprises when it comes to obtaining a mortgage loan or even building permits and Certificates of Occupancy.
6 types of eco-friendly homes that create a more sustainable living space
Looking for a home that's easy on the earth? These eco-friendly home styles, ranging from prefabs to biophilic spaces, are all designed with sustainability in mind.
(Image credit: Method Homes) published 27 April 2021Your new build can have a low carbon footprint with these eco-friendly homes
Eco-friendly homes sound great in theory, but what do they actually constitute? If you’re intrigued by buzzwords like LEED-certified, solar paneled, or prefab, but have no clue what they actually mean, you’re not alone.
In the world of green building, there are a lot of varying standards and costs. To build a home that is easy on the environment — and your wallet — we’ve demystified every eco-friendly home type.
- See also: The besteco-friendly building materials
This natural insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling, resulting in lower energy consumption and costs. Furthermore, green magic homes often utilize renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Another benefit of green magic homes is their environmental friendliness.
Prefab homes
If you want to build new while going green, prefab homes are a great option. They are built off-site in a factory and then shipped to you for installation and assembly. While most companies offer a host of personalization options, the standardized format of prefab modular designs cuts down on waste.
And, cutting waste can also cut costs. The average modular home costs between $80 and $160 to install (well below the normal average for a new house build). They require fewer permits and can be built more quickly with less waste. Often confused with tiny homes, prefab models can be built quite small, but they can also be crafted as luxurious, 6-bedroom-plus estates.
One of the drawbacks to prefab homes is that you can be limited when it comes to personalization options within a general floor plan, but today’s market has an array of house styles and layouts to choose from.
By being partially or fully covered by soil and vegetation, these homes blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings, minimizing their visual impact. They also help to reduce urban sprawl and preserve valuable green spaces. Additionally, the use of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood or recycled materials further reduces the carbon footprint of these homes. Green magic homes also offer improved protection against natural disasters. Being underground or partially underground makes these homes more resistant to extreme weather events such as hurricanes or tornadoes. The soil covering provides additional insulation and protection, making these homes more resilient to external forces. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when it comes to green magic homes. One of the main challenges is the construction process. Building underground or partially underground requires specialized knowledge and techniques, which can make the construction more expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, the availability of suitable land for these homes may be limited, as not all areas have the proper soil conditions or topography to accommodate green magic homes. Another drawback is the potential for moisture and water damage. Being underground or partially underground puts these homes at risk of water infiltration, which can lead to mold or structural damage if not properly managed. Proper waterproofing and drainage systems are crucial to mitigate these risks, but they add an additional layer of complexity and maintenance to green magic homes. Furthermore, living in an underground or partially underground home may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may feel claustrophobic or isolated due to the lack of natural light and limited access to outdoor views. Additionally, the potential for limited privacy or noise disturbances from the surrounding soil should also be considered. In conclusion, green magic homes have numerous advantages such as energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and improved protection against natural disasters. However, the construction process, potential for moisture damage, and limitations in suitable land availability are some of the drawbacks to consider. It is important to carefully evaluate these pros and cons before deciding if a green magic home is the right choice for you..
Reviews for "The Challenges of Constructing and Maintaining Green Magic Homes"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars - I was really excited about the concept of green magic homes, but I was sorely disappointed. The construction materials were flimsy and the overall quality was poor. It felt like stepping into a cheap plastic playhouse instead of a sustainable living space. Additionally, the insulation was terrible, making the home incredibly hot during the summer and freezing in the winter. Save your money and invest in a more reliable and well-built eco-friendly housing option.
2. Mark - 3 stars - While I appreciate the idea behind green magic homes, the execution fell short for me. The design looked great on paper, but the actual functionality of the space was lacking. The rooms were cramped and the layout was not practical for everyday living. The cost of the homes was also quite high considering the lack of durability and longevity. I love the concept of sustainable housing, but green magic homes still have a long way to go in terms of delivering a comfortable and functional living space.
3. Sarah - 1 star - Green magic homes turned out to be a huge disappointment for me. The construction process was a nightmare, with constant delays and poor communication from the company. The final product was far from what we were promised, with many defects and design flaws. The customer service was nonexistent when it came to addressing our concerns and issues. Overall, I would not recommend green magic homes to anyone looking for a reliable and well-built green housing solution.