There’s no denying that our climate is changing. More and more, we’re seeing extreme weather events on the news, or simply feeling the merging of seasons while we sit and enjoy the comfort of our homes.
In an attempt to combat this, many house buyers are starting to look for features that reduce their carbon footprint, or choose a property where they can complete renovations to put their own stamp on the house in an eco-friendly way. Additionally, eco-friendly features can be a selling point when it comes to future proofing any property, as they’re often designed for our changing weather conditions.
But which features should you look out for when searching for a new property?
And if you’re looking for a real-world example that brings all of these features together, Vista Lago Residences offers a masterclass in sustainable luxury. With an “Excellent” BREEAM rating and a commitment to innovation and eco-conscious design, it’s a benchmark for what eco-friendly living in Marbella can look like.
Sustainable Heating And Cooling
Your home should improve your quality of life, keeping you cocooned in a safe, comfortable space where you can relax. As such, it’s important that it’s heated, or cooled, to the right temperature.
Underfloor heating is now common in the majority of luxury properties, but it’s not just about removing unsightly radiators from walls and having heated tiles underfoot in the bathroom. This type of heating is actually incredibly efficient, as it runs at a lower temperature; it keeps the ambient temperature in your home at the right levels, rather than fluctuating between hot when the heating is on, and cold when it’s not.
It’s also easy to combine with low carbon heating systems like heat pumps. Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ground or the air, before passing it through a heat exchanger. Thanks to reverse refrigeration, this then means you get warmth into your home at a higher rate of efficiency, and without fossil fuels. Some heat pump systems can also do the same in reverse, offering cooling as well as heating.
Vista Lago Residences takes this to the next level, with every villa equipped with energy-efficient climate systems and underfloor heating throughout, powered by advanced heat pump technology that keeps the homes comfortable year-round while dramatically reducing energy consumption.
Smart Controls
Most of us are used to being able to control many aspects of our lives from our smartphone, from banking to unlocking our cars. But what about our houses?
Smart controls that change the lighting and heating in your home according to outside temperature, your routine and even motion are an effective way of ensuring that your energy consumption doesn’t get higher than it needs to be.
Especially in larger properties, you’ll be able to create ‘zones’, allowing your home to be heated according to the parts you’re using. You can then pair these with smart learning features, so that your bedroom is always warm and cosy for when you want to get into bed, for example. It’s possible to be eco-friendly and comfortable at the same time.
At Vista Lago Residences, the world’s most advanced smart home automation is standard in each villa. In partnership with Loxone, every villa is fitted with systems that optimise lighting, temperature, and energy usage, tailored to the way you live. The Loxone system creates a home that understands and anticipates your needs, so you rarely have to control anything, it’s all done for you.
Natural Light
It might not be the first thing you consider when thinking about the eco-credentials of a new property, but natural light has a big role to play in how much energy the property will use. Large windows and skylights will help the rooms feel bright, even on the gloomiest of days, especially when combined with bright neutral wall finishes.
Additionally, natural light helps you become in-tune with your surroundings, improving your overall wellbeing. It’s essential for keeping your circadian rhythm working correctly, helping you rise with the sun and start to feel sleepy as the light dims. This too will reduce your reliance on artificial lighting throughout the day.
The architects behind Vista Lago Residences have maximised natural light through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan layouts. Each villa is oriented to make the most of sunlight and panoramic lake, sea and mountain views – reducing energy use while enhancing wellbeing.
Native Planting In The Garden
As well as looking inside the property, you should take note of the garden too. While gardens that are full of roses and other showy flowers look stunning, they can struggle in the warm Spanish weather, especially as temperatures begin to heat up year-on-year. Therefore, in order to keep them looking good, you’ll need to use a huge amount of water and potentially chemical feeds – neither of which are good for the planet.
Instead, look for a garden that showcases native plants. These will have adapted to the soil around your property, as well as the weather conditions, making them much more likely to survive and thrive. Large trees can also provide shade to both the smaller plants and certain areas of your home, and are more able to cope with drought, thanks to their deep roots.
At Vista Lago Residences, native landscaping is a key part of the design ethos. Mediterranean plants and trees are selected for their low water requirements, creating beautiful gardens that are as sustainable as they are striking. Owners will be able to enjoy exclusive and personalised gardens that mirror the Mediterranean garden in a contemporary way, and will be watered with recycled water from the villa itself.
Sustainable And Luxurious
There’s no need to compromise on luxury and comfort when it comes to sustainability – a property can be good for you and for the planet. Make sure you’re looking out for these features when choosing the perfect home, as well as considering the materials you’re using once you’ve moved in.
In the end, true sustainability is not just about energy ratings and features – it’s about thoughtful design that supports your lifestyle while protecting the environment. Vista Lago Residences embodies this philosophy, offering buyers the opportunity to invest in a home that looks to the future without sacrificing beauty or comfort.
Read more about sustainability and innovations for saving water and electricity at Vista Lago Residences.
For more information on our sustainable, smart, luxury homes at Vista Lago Residences, visit our information page.
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