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American Indian materials make energy efficient home

19 December 2008

An energy efficient home built with materials used by American Indians is to be constructed at the BRE Innovation park alongside other cutting-edge buildings.

The Natural Home from the Prince's Foundation uses adobe, a lightweight claylike material used in the Taos Pueblo American Indian settlement in New Mexico.

Although the materials are old and the aim is to create an eco-home for the future, the house itself will resemble a Victorian home and will be in keeping with principles set down by the foundation.

Thick adobe walls are well insulated, breathable and have low air leakage.

The home will also be insulated with sheep's wool and will meet level four of the code for sustainable homes.

While the principles behind the home were welcomed by Alan Shingler, whose company is behind a level six home in the park, he questioned the attachment to traditional designs.

He said: "If we are to meet the government targets of cutting CO2 by 80% by 2050, we need to change the way we live, and homes are where this needs to start. If you chain yourself to a pattern book, it may be you can't facilitate a sustainable lifestyle."

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Author: Administrator User