Sustainable Luxury: Designing Beautiful Homes Better

You don’t have to compromise beautiful design or your comfort standards when aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of your luxury custom home. Much of the sustainability-focused technology and resources available today give you the flexibility to create a completely custom space designed to fit your desired aesthetic. 

Whether it’s Earth Day or any other day, it’s the perfect reminder that every effort for sustainable architecture–from making use of renewable energy sources to design and decor that incorporates reclaimed materials–helps you leave a better legacy for your children and grandchildren.

Here are four trends we are seeing in sustainable luxury properties that you can use to lower the environmental impact of your dream home.

Design for Responsible Water Usage

Water is a precious resource everywhere, but responsible use is even more important in arid climates like Scottsdale. Everything from faucet choice to appliances to landscaping can help you be more intentional with your water use.

Greywater systems are a great way to maximize the water you use. These systems divert the water from your washing machine, shower, and bathtub and use it for irrigation and landscaping. Most greywater systems have filters and purification that clean out most of the soap and debris, but not enough for the water to be potable for humans or pets. However, any remaining detergents are safe for your plants, and the greywater system reduces the strain on municipal water systems.

When it comes to landscaping, work with your designer to incorporate xeriscaping, the practice of creating a lawn that minimizes the use of water. Highlight indigenous plants that work well in your climate and soil types, and use a drip irrigation system to minimize evaporation. Agave and blue palo verde trees are among the stunning options for homes in the Sonoran desert. 

Pools are another primary use of water for much of Arizona's luxury real estate. When installing your pool, be sure to incorporate windbreaks like drought-resistant plants and natural stone to help reduce evaporation. Also, put your fountains and water features on a timer so they only run when you are there to enjoy them.

Don’t overlook how you use water within your home as well. Install water-conserving showerheads, toilets, and faucets that limit the flow of water without impacting performance.

Incorporate Natural and Local Materials

Using locally made or sourced materials to build your luxury custom home has a number of benefits. You help the local economy. You limit your home’s environmental impact. And often, the resources can hold up better to the Scottsdale climate.

There are many options for Arizonans to source materials as locally as possible. Adobe brick is a great sustainable choice that holds up to the harsh sun and blends in beautifully with the environment. Whisper Rock Pueblo in North Scottsdale combines natural stonework with adobe brick to create a flowing Organic Pueblo home.

Saltillo tile is another easy-to-find option for your home. The sun-dried look of these ceramic tiles brings a feeling of warmth to any space. Also look for responsibly sourced timber for exposed beams and vigas throughout your floorplan.

In addition to sustainably sourcing materials, opt to use resources in their rawest form. For example, traditionally shiny granite countertops may not be on-trend right now, but granite is sustainable and easy to get locally. Consider using whole slabs for showers or fireplaces, and use a honed matte finish for a more contemporary look.

Bring history and character into your home with reclaimed items. Work with your designer to find materials from older buildings that were remodeled or torn down. Give them new life by using them for doors, tables, and stone accents.

Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lightbulb technology has made it so almost any fixture can be energy efficient. But good lighting is as much about security as it is about functionality. When considering options for eco-friendly lighting for your luxury home, look for choices that make sense for you while you are there and while you are traveling. 

Optimize all of your fixtures with smart-home technology so you can adjust your lighting and monitor energy usage even when you aren’t at home. Rotate the lights in different rooms or adjust the dimmer to make it appear as though someone is home when you are thousands of miles away.

Solar-powered and battery-operated options are perfect for outdoor lighting. They provide more flexibility in where they can be placed because you don’t need to hardwire them to your electrical grid.

In addition to ways to light your home, it’s also important to keep the sun out. Install efficient windows with app-controlled shades or tinting that block the heat and the UV rays.

Decorate with Ethically Crafted Decor

Your accent pieces and finishing touches are a great way to highlight what is important to you. Opt for high-quality pieces that are not only made from sustainable materials but also showcase local history and cultural flair. 

The most environmentally friendly pieces are ones that are ready for a second life. Incorporate stunning family heirlooms into your room decor, possibly working with a local professional to restore an ornate credenza or grandfather clock to its former radiance. You can also visit antique stores or estate sales to find interesting one-of-a-kind pieces that fit your style. Art galleries and art shows can introduce you to artisans who source their materials locally. You could also consider seeking out fiber artists who use recycled yarn to create one-of-a-kind art pieces, adding a unique personality to your space while supporting eco-conscious artisans.

When picking out new furniture for your home, dig into the details of a company to make sure they meet your standards of sustainability and ethical practices. Choose responsibly made accents, like throws and pillows, that use sustainable materials. Wool, linen, and natural fibers that are renewable and non-toxic are also a healthier option for you and your family.

Work with Professionals Who Understand Sustainability

With the right professionals on your side, sustainability and luxury can work together seamlessly. Your LEED Professional architects know how to work with the land to build an expansive floor plan with the least environmental impact. Your designers can help you identify beautiful uses for sustainable materials to create a comfortable home that is also a work of art.

Scottsdale is the first city in Arizona to mandate an environmentally friendly green building code. So if you are ready to build your sustainable dream home in Scottsdale, you’ll want a team that knows the requirements and can integrate them without compromising your comfort. Check out our project gallery and then contact us about your project today!