By creating an efficient interior design project we can contribute to the energy performance of spaces and buildings.
Energy consumption is one of the main factors in global warming and climate change.
As an interior designer or interior architect we can do our part to make spaces and buildings more energy efficient, by reducing the necessary energy for light, electro domestics, heating and cooling of spaces.
“ Even very small changes in a project can make a huge difference.”
The main energy consuming elements in our houses are heating and cooling and these should be the first to look at and be improved so we can go to more energy efficient living.
Heating and Cooling
When we think about heating and cooling of spaces, the first thing we think about would be the actual appliances we use for this - obviously when we buy these we should always go for a high energy certification A+ or more.
But we should actually start with something more basic and look what we can improve to keep the heat inside in winter and outside in summer.
If you're thinking of renovating an energy-efficient home, you need to think about your windows first - double or triple glazed windows with a good insulation are a must.
When we are not able to change the windows or our client is not willing to do so we can always try to find secondary solutions and go for the use of curtains to keep the heat inside or outside the house, like this we can better control the inside temperature without the use of energy consuming devices.
Blinds and shades are very efficient to keep sun out or even keep heat in in winter - different options are available and these can contribute to the overall look of the project.
In colder climates we can also consider the use of carpets, which are perfect thermic isolation and immediately give a space a warm and cosy ambiance.
Carpets can retain up to 10% of the heat in a room, in any case at itsk.studio we like to use carpets in our designs - for energy saving as well as aesthetic reasons.
Light
Light - or the lack of light - is another factor that can higher the energy consumption in a house.
As an interior designer you can bring different solutions to avoid this.
The use of the right color in a space can lower the need for artificial light.
When we use lighter colors or light reflecting colors in a darker space we reduce the need for extra energy consuming light fixtures.
We can also use light reflecting surfaces or mirrors to use the existing natural light coming in and have it distributed around the room.
And when we have no other choice than to turn on artificial light we should always be very considering in our choices when buying.
Small changes can make a big difference...
