So, you’ve decided to build your very own dream home on Cyprus? Our island offers the perfect location to create a home built to your exact specification, with plenty of options to design and build an eco-friendly property that has sustainability at heart. We’ve taken a look at some of the key things to think about when it comes to minimizing the environmental impact of your house, both in the building phase and for living there, enabling you to embrace and enhance the natural beauty of Cyprus and preserve it for future generations.
Every build starts with sustainable design, which is the foundation for any eco-friendly development project. Opt for layouts that capitalize on natural light and breeze flow, including open plan spaces and high ceilings for a light and bright aesthetic. Use well-insulated materials to curb heat transfer, decreasing air conditioning demands and minimising future energy costs. Materials such as stone not only look stylish, but are great at regulating indoor temperatures naturally.
We love the idea of making the most of the natural resources that Cyprus has to offer. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it is easy to harness the power of Cyprus’ sun with solar panels to generate clean energy for your entire property. Additionally, solar water heaters can meet a substantial portion of your hot water needs, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint, and you can also opt for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems like geothermal heat pumps. Combined with good insulation, these systems drastically cut energy consumption.
Whilst the hot Mediterranean climate has its benefits for heating water via solar energy, it can also cause water supply issues, so it is vital to be mindful of water consumption when it comes to ensuring sustainability for the future. You can address water scarcity by fitting low-flow fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems. Native landscaping minimizes water use, while green spaces enhance aesthetics and biodiversity.
When looking at your building materials, select those that are locally sourced and sustainable to reduce transport emissions. In Cyprus we have a wide variety of local materials and suppliers to choose from. Reclaimed or recycled materials also cut down on waste and support the circular economy, enhancing the sustainability of the island as a whole.
There are so many ways to harness the natural resources and unique opportunities that Cyprus has to offer when it comes to building your own property here. At Altia, we have a huge range of land opportunities available that might make the perfect location for you, as well as access to many experts who can offer you the right advice to make purchase and development decisions that work for you.