Designing a custom home involves an array of decisions, with each choice contributing to the final look, feel, and functionality of your house. One pivotal decision revolves around the materials used in constructing and furnishing your home. At Brock Builders, we’re advocates for the use of local materials. In this post, we’ll dig deeper into why local materials matter and provide a multitude of examples to inspire your design journey.
Why Use Local Materials?
There are numerous advantages to incorporating local materials into your custom home design: sustainability, bolstering the local economy, and preserving the local charm.
Sustainability: Transporting materials over long distances contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. When you opt for locally sourced materials, you cut down on these transportation needs, thereby reducing your project’s carbon footprint. Local materials often require less processing and packaging, further diminishing environmental impact.
Supporting Local Economy: Buying local materials directly supports local businesses, encouraging economic growth within your community and fostering stronger relationships with artisans, growers, and suppliers.
Capturing Local Charm: Local materials often reflect the unique attributes of their origin, allowing your home to resonate with the region’s natural beauty and charm.
Incorporating Local Materials into Your Design: Let’s delve into how we at Brock Builders integrate local materials into the fabric of our custom homes:
Structural Elements: Incorporating local materials into your home’s foundational and structural elements can make a significant difference. Asheville boasts an abundance of hardwoods like oak, hickory, and walnut. We’ve used local oak for sturdy framing, hickory for eye-catching flooring, and walnut for durable, beautiful cabinetry. We’ve used local oak for sturdy framing, hickory for eye-catching flooring, and pine for durable, beautiful cabinetry. Additionally, locally-sourced cedar can be utilized for external siding, providing both durability and a distinctive aroma.
Stone and Brick: The mountains around Asheville are home to diverse stone deposits, such as granite and slate. We’ve integrated these stones into various facets of home design – granite countertops in the kitchen, slate flooring in the bathroom, or a stone fireplace in the living room. Local bricks, made by artisans in the area, can be used to craft charming pathways, garden walls, or even an inviting outdoor fireplace.
Interior Décor: Your choices need not be confined to the structure of your home. Consider locally crafted furniture, artisan-made light fixtures, or even handmade tiles for your kitchen backsplash. Asheville is known for its vibrant artist community, offering unique pottery, textiles, and artwork that can add a touch of local flair to your home’s interior.
Landscaping: Your outdoor spaces can also benefit from local materials. Native plants like the Carolina rhododendron or Eastern Redbud tree require less maintenance as they’re naturally adapted to Asheville’s climate and soil conditions. Locally sourced mulch, local river stones for drainage or decorative elements, and even local artisan-crafted garden ornaments can also add to your home’s outdoor appeal.
Conclusion
Incorporating local materials into your custom home design connects your living space to the region’s natural charm and beauty, while also supporting sustainability and community growth. At Brock Builders, we can guide you through this rewarding process, ensuring your new home is not just a reflection of your personal style but a true embodiment of Asheville’s unique allure.
