Sustainable architecture: durable, efficient, low-maintenance homes
For Unique Houses sustainability starts with building well: homes designed to last, that use little energy and need little maintenance. We prioritise sustainable practices and materials to minimise environmental impact, within a process in which we design and build ourselves.
Durable materials, little maintenance
We work with concrete, iron and wood, noble materials that last over time. Concrete, well designed, offers a solid and lasting presence and needs very little maintenance, which is especially valuable in holiday homes.
Less energy to live in them
Reinforced insulation in floors, roof and walls, forced ventilation, aerothermal heating, underfloor heating and cooling and solar panels reduce the home’s consumption. We explain it in detail in energy efficiency.
An efficient industrialised process
Producing the concrete structure in a factory allows a more efficient construction process, with finishes and insulation far superior to traditional on-site construction and assembly in a few days. It is a more controlled build. It is told step by step in the La Casa Negra construction diary (in Spanish) and on the industrialised construction page.
A house that respects its surroundings
Every home starts from the plot. At La Casa Negra the project was adapted to a plot of almost 4,000 m² with trees and rocks, on a single floor, and the orientation of the house is studied in all our projects.
Frequently asked questions
What does Unique Houses understand by sustainable architecture?
Homes designed to last, with low-maintenance materials, very low energy use and an efficient construction process. We prioritise sustainable practices and materials to minimise environmental impact.
Is a concrete house sustainable?
We use concrete for its durability and low maintenance, and combine it with reinforced insulation so the home uses little energy. We do not yet publish carbon footprint data for our projects.
Do you use renewable energy?
Yes. Underfloor heating and cooling with aerothermal heating and solar panels is our usual choice in homes, and it uses solar energy to reduce consumption.
Is industrialised construction more sustainable?
Producing the structure in a factory allows a more efficient process with better finishes and insulation than on-site construction, and assembly takes a few days.
Can I see real examples?
Yes: La Casa Negra, a single-storey home-studio in a natural setting, is documented phase by phase in the construction diary, and the efficient home in the Sierra de Madrid is among our projects.