World's Greenest Homes Season 2 Episode 3 Arts & Crafts
- January 16, 2010
In season 2, episode 3 of World's Greenest Homes, titled "Arts & Crafts," viewers are taken on a journey through some of the most creatively designed homes that are also environmentally conscious. These homes are unique in their construction methods and the materials used to build them, making them some of the most sustainable homes in the world.
The episode starts with a visit to a home in the heart of Los Angeles, California, that is made entirely out of straw bales. The owner of the home, an artist, wanted a space that was not only eco-friendly but also reflected her love for nature and art. The straw bale construction method not only makes the home environmentally conscious but also provides excellent insulation. This keeps the home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating. The home has skylights throughout, making it bright and airy, and it also features a rainwater harvesting system to reduce water consumption.
Next, viewers are taken to a home in Tasmania that is built mainly from recycled materials. The owners are artists and have created a home that not only embraces their love for the arts but also their passion for sustainable living. The house features walls made from recycled timber and galvanized steel and is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for electricity. The home also has a rainwater harvesting system and a composting toilet, which helps to reduce water consumption and waste.
Following this, viewers are treated to a tour of a unique home in Colorado that is entirely built using shipping containers. The owners, who are also artists, have utilized four shipping containers to create a home that is both beautiful and sustainable. The home features a green roof that is covered in plants and helps to keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter. The containers have also been insulated with foam, keeping the inside temperature comfortable year-round. The home features solar panels that provide electricity, and a rainwater harvesting system that provides water for irrigation and household use.
The final home in this episode is a stunning, eco-friendly home in British Columbia that is built using a construction technique called cob. This involves mixing clay, sand, and straw to create a natural building material that is not only beautiful but also incredibly sustainable. The home features a living roof that is covered in plants, providing natural insulation and also promotes biodiversity. The home has solar panels that provide electricity, and a unique greywater recycling system that allows wastewater from the sinks and shower to be used for irrigation.
Throughout the episode, the homeowners and architects featured explain the challenges and benefits of building environmentally friendly homes, and how their designs are all part of a growing movement towards sustainable living. They also discuss the importance of creating homes that reflect their owners' personalities and values, and how art and sustainability can be combined to create truly unique and beautiful homes.
Overall, "Arts & Crafts" is a fascinating and inspiring look at some of the most innovative and sustainable homes in the world. Through showcasing these homes and the people behind them, the episode highlights the importance of designing and building homes that not only reflect the values of their owners but also provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of living.