Garden Office Blog

Energy Encased

Energy Encased

By Francesca McGlone on 9th September, 2010

A garden studio positioned in the heart of nature acts as a fixed incentive in which to preserve a setting that contributes so greatly to its beauty and charm. The garden studio's unique placement demonstrates a recognition and appreciation of natural beauty, which acts as the ultimate safe haven. The children's classic, 'The Secret Garden' is a prime example of the way in which a garden space can act as a beautiful and private escape.

Decorated Shed ensure that every garden building design limits its impact upon the environment with the use of sustainable materials and energy efficient measures, such as high thermal performance windows and doors, flooring that has warm cell insulation and wall panelling with a heat reflective breather membrane that ensures the warmth that may otherwise escape is contained. It is then up to the occupier to continue to adopt energy efficient measures, as a sign of respect. Environmental concern communicates dedication to a cause which is very admirable.

Housing Energy Advisor is a site dedicated to energy saving; relaying a host of tips and advice that can be incorporated into any lifestyle or home, serving as positive influences upon the bank balance and the environment. Applying the advice to a garden studio seems even more fitting, as the building's appeal relies on thriving botanical beauty and the garden's convenient placement. It is therefore a way of reflecting and strengthening a harmonious partnership.

One of the easiest ways to minimise energy output is by changing traditional sixty or one hundred watt light bulbs to low energy light bulbs, which will last longer. The site reveals that traditional light bulbs need changing more and therefore the British public spends time and energy walking to change them, which adds up to two journeys to the moon and back. By placing analogies on the site, the magnitude of energy waste is starkly revealed. The needless use of lighting makes up twenty five per cent of lighting consumption. For example; the garden studio is a smaller space which requires less lighting; if time is being spent in a garden studio and no one else is in the main house, then it makes sense to switch off lights where they are not needed.

Housing Energy Advisor also reveals the array of renewable energy sources that are available, such as solar panels which become like plants, absorbing energy from the sun. A 'living' green roof system is available as an option on Decorated Shed garden studios, acting as another available surface on which greenery can thrive, so that theoretically the space occupied by the base of a studio is replaced by a similar sized area of carbon dioxide absorbing greenery. The sun is a free source of heat and can replace the use of radiators and tumble dryers when drying clothes. By taking advantage of the sun's rays and hanging out clothes, the energy taken from the environment is not unnecessarily depleted and the garden space is used effectively as a means of permeating clothes with fresh air fragrances.

Native trees are the best ways to support an area's native wildlife and are a natural way to add value to your home, both as an aesthetic investment and as a money saving plug on energy output. In the summer, trees can cool a building, providing shade and reducing the need for fans and air conditioning, which use vast amounts of electricity. Using a manual push reel mower means that maintaining your garden does not impact on the environment with energy consumption or noise pollution. Modern reel mowers are actually lightweight and although they will undoubtedly involve more work, the sheering action of the blades leave grass tips greener, resulting in a healthier looking lawn. By creating a natural environment that supports energy efficiency, the artificial environment's harmful effects can be stunted.

Energy efficiency is vital in maintaining and protecting the environment's fragile structure. Nature is a valuable source of well-being which is often taken for granted. By respecting nature and realising that it is not a limitless resource, we can conserve natural beauty for generations to come, so that they can also experience vistas of botanical beauty and treasure gardens as segments of solace.


Category:  Garden Studios

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