Materials/Energy A cube is the most efficient way to contain a given amount of space, because it has the smallest surface area to floor area ratio--meaning it will take the least amount of materials and lose the least amount of heat for a given floor area.
Ranch-style homes are not only popular but also one of the most cost-efficient home styles to build. These homes typically come in a rectangular shape, though many resemble “T” or “S” shapes. The ranch style's simple layout reduces complications in construction.
House shape
However the fundamental rule is that a simple shape is much more sustainable than a complex shape. Complex shapes use more materials and they are not as energy efficient because they have more surface area. The shape that uses the least amount of materials is the circle.
Like geodesic dome homes, tiny homes are more energy efficient than other builds because they have less surface area. However, tiny homes are more efficient because they are smaller overall while geodesic dome houses are efficient because of their particular shape.
The two shapes which are very beneficial for you are rectangular and square shapes. It is believed that these shapes lead to long term prosperity, love and happiness. The same concept is applied to room shapes.
When used properly, triangles are the most stable and rigid shapes used in construction today.
Therefore, triangles are the strongest shape. This idea is supported by research and real uses of triangles in construction and design. I learned that triangles are the most rigid shape because forces on a triangle are distributed evenly along its three sides.
Perhaps the most expensive part when it comes to building a home is the framing, which consists of wooden beams that make up the home's skeleton. Forbes states that high-quality lumber averages about $33,000 for a home in the United States. Metal stud framing systems begin around $20,000.
According to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Building Guide, flat or low-sloped roofs often demonstrate better energy efficiency because of differences in insulation. Generally, these roofs have a membrane system, which is applied on top of sheets of rigid insulation.
The most efficient shape in terms of heat loss and gain is the one that minimizes the ratio of surface area to volume, which is a sphere.
An eco-friendly house is a house which respects the environment, is made from non-toxic materials, and is energy-efficient both in its construction and use.
Timber. Timber gains eco credentials if it's sustainably grown. The main thing to know if you plan to use timber in an environmentally friendly build is that trees absorb carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas.
Consider going modular or prefabricated
Hipages.com.au say, "In general, modular homes cost between $2500 and $3000 per square metre, but the cost will vary." Read more on how to build a home in our complete guide.
Steel. Steel is one of the most affordable materials to build a house. It is strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for your home's frame. You can also use steel to create unique designs and features to make your house stand out.
The cost to build a contemporary home varies depending on the location of your home, the cost of labor where you live, the quality of the materials you choose, and your desired square footage. But one thing is certain: building a contemporary home is more expensive than building a traditional one.
Barrel tiles offer the best roof shape for hot climates because they allow for airflow that helps dry out tiles in high humidity areas and may help reduce cooling costs.
The cheapest roof design is a roof with just hips, which are the sloping part, while the gable is the triangular bit on the end of the roof. A lot of subdivisions require a roof with hips and gables (rather than just a hip roof) so that is the most common form of roof construction.
What is the best roof shape for high wind storms? For wind protection, you want a hip roof that has four slopes, pitched ideally at about 30 degrees. More slopes will handle high winds better. Therefore, anything more than a two-slope gable roof will be extra resistant to high wind damage.
The Framing
A home's framing is its skeleton. Because so much material and skilled labor is required, this is an incredibly expensive part of building a home. While framing may not be as expensive as the foundation or lot, it is typically more costly than other items.
“Living room” can mean different things to different people, but for most people this is the room where you and your family will spend the most time together. The size of the room and its furnishings will be the biggest cost determinations for this room.
The triangle is the best shape for making strong structures because it naturally distributes equal weight along its members. A triangle will always keep a consistent shape and will not deform unless you change the length of one of the sides or break one of the joints.
An arch derives its strength directly from its shape. Downward force from the top of an arch is carried along the curving form all the way to the base. At the same time, the ground pushes up with equal force.
The reason most commercial designs are rectangular, or square, is because they are easier, faster and more economical to build out of ordinary materials – stone, concrete, brick or wood. Square and rectangular shapes are also exponentially easier to reconcile, and there's usually less waste.