Sustainability and wellness are no longer just trends in home design — they’re essential elements of modern living. As the Vice President of the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS), Mr. Fann Zhi Jie brings deep expertise in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly and healthy.
In our “Let’s Go Talk” series, Zhi Jie highlights the benefits of green homes and shares simple, practical tips for homeowners to transform their living spaces into greener, healthier environments that support both their well-being and the planet.
Q: What makes a home a green home?
The two main components of a green home are wellbeing and sustainability. On the one hand, it’s about respecting the environment by utilising energy wisely and making decisions that are better for the earth. Conversely, it’s about making the living environment comfortable and healthy for the occupants.
Going green, however, does not need you to meet a number of strict requirements. To develop a home that benefits both you and the environment, it truly comes down to striking the correct balance between eco-friendly methods and careful design.
Q: What are the benefits of investing and designing a green home for me and my family?
When people think of a green home, the first thing they think of is that it comes with extra costs. For example, opting for LED lights or more expensive electrical appliances. But the real benefit is in the wellness and wellbeing of everyone in the home. We spend most of our time at home, so you would want to make sure it’s a space you’re comfortable in.
When you incorporate green elements and focus on things like air quality – whether through HEPA filters in your air conditioning system or using finishes that help prevent mould –you’re creating a healthier environment for your family. These make a huge difference in how you feel at home.
When you weigh the benefits against the costs, it’s clear that the long-term impact on your health and comfort far outweighs the initial investment.
Q: What’s trending in home design now?
Biophilic design is still quite popular today. Since we all live in metropolitan concrete jungles, it all comes down to bringing greenery into the house and re-establishing a connection with nature. The presence of plants lowers heat, reduces dust, and even improves air quality by adding more oxygen and cleaner air.
Energy efficiency is another popular trend. Consider energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and LED lights.
Additionally, sustainable materials are given a lot of attention. Reusing old fixtures and furniture or even using eco-friendly materials is also becoming more and more popular.
Q: As a first-time homeowner, what should I consider when it comes to transforming my home into a green home?
The first thing you should consider as a first-time homeowner is your green objectives. What goals do you have for your house? And what role does your way of life play? Talk to your designer about your daily routine, including how often you work from home and what you do, and use that information to help you lay out your space. To reduce your need for lighting and air conditioning, you may, for instance, place your workspace close to windows to benefit from natural light and airflow. This helps save money in addition to saving energy.
Next, think about what you can reuse or recycle. Do you have any furniture or fixtures you can keep? If you’re renovating a pre-owned home, maybe you have existing fixtures like marble floors that just need a little sanding and polishing to look brand new.
Other things you can consider are the basics such as ventilation, materials, and fixtures. For example, consider LED lights, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving features for your home.
Q: With more people considering having green homes, what does a green home renovation usually consist of?
It’s about making thoughtful decisions for your home renovation that often focuses on sustainability. Firstly, you may choose eco-friendly materials and paints with minimal or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to enhance indoor air quality.
Another important consideration is your home’s layout, which takes ventilation and natural illumination into account. Beyond this, it’s being aware to recycle and reduce waste whenever you can. The goal is to make your renovation not just environmentally friendly but also efficient and healthy for everyone living there.
Q: Being an interior designer, what’s your favourite green home design feature or idea?
One of my favourite design ideas is the use of unused spaces, small nooks and corners, that are transformed into green walls. I love how both designers and homeowners get creative with these spaces, whether it’s a professionally designed vertical garden or a DIY project where plants are added to offer a personal touch.
On social media, I’ve even seen some incredible scenes where birds visit these green spots or construct nests, which simply brings a surprising touch of happiness and vitality into the house. Although it is impossible to anticipate, it adds a nice surprise to the space.
Q: What other ways are there to have a green home if having plants is not feasible?
I know a lot of homeowners say, ‘I don’t have a green thumb, I can’t even keep a cactus alive!’ If that’s the case, there are still ways to bring nature into your home.
The key is to create that connection with nature even without plants. One option is using preserved moss. These are treated and dried, so you get the same aesthetic and feel of greenery without the maintenance.
Another alternative is adding water features, like a small fountain and you can even consider turning it into a DIY home aquarium. Even with a normal water feature, the sound of trickling water can create a peaceful nature-inspired atmosphere in your home.
It may feel daunting to get started on a green home. What are the simple things that homeowners can do to incorporate green features?
One easy thing is to do a quick audit of your appliances—check which ones are energy-efficient and if you’ve got water-saving fixtures in your taps. These are simple changes that don’t take much effort. Also, with the climate vouchers available now, it’s a great opportunity to upgrade things like your ceiling fan or air conditioning if needed.
Another simple idea, especially if you don’t have space for big plants, is to start small. Maybe get one or two pots and place them where you spend a lot of time or in spots with a good view. It’s a simple way to bring some greenery and make your space feel fresher.
Q: Flooring, wall paint, carpentry are some of the aspects for a green home renovation. What should homeowners consider for these?
Wall paint: It’s important to choose one that has low or zero VOC. These paints have fewer volatile compounds, which helps keep your indoor air quality safe. You might also consider paints with antiviral treatments where it’s especially helpful if you have young children. It’s a way to keep your home healthier without adding extra gadgets to purify the air daily.
Vinyl flooring: My advice is to think about the areas you’ll use it. For example, a high traffic like a mall might not be the best choice, but at home, it’s a great option for maintenance and comfort. It also depends on comfort too – vinyl can provide a consistent temperature and is easy on the feet, unlike tile, which can be cold at night. So, homeowners need to consider how it fits with your lifestyle.
Solar film: These are great for energy savings. They reduce solar heat gain, which can eventually help lower your air conditioning bills. Think of it just like sunscreen where solar films come with different levels of UV protection, so pick the one that fits your needs. But keep in mind, if you live in a condo with large glass windows, higher UV protection can darken the space, so it’s important to strike the right balance for your home’s vibe.
Carpentry laminates: This is an area where you can consider the material’s properties to suit your needs. For example, fingerprint-free and antivirus coatings are great for places like kitchens. A kitchen might need more durable, easy-to-clean finishes, while bedroom wardrobes might not need the same level of protection. Also, look at the adhesives used to attach the laminate. The choice of adhesive matters for air quality, so go for one with the lowest emissions. You would want something that is less harmful to both the environment and your family.
Q: How can I ensure that my home is free from harmful elements when my renovation is complete?
It’s essential to properly discharge the home of indoor air pollutants before moving in. This includes clearing waste, removing fine particles, and addressing chemical residues. Using sprays or machines to extract lingering chemicals can help create a safer environment.
Whether it’s excitement for the new space or the perfect fengshui date, we know homeowners are often eager to settle in but taking the time for proper air discharge and thorough cleanup is crucial. Remember, everything in the space, from carpentry to tiles to paint, can release indoor air pollutants.
It’s best to talk to your designer about your concerns and requirements for this. Your ID can guide you and your contractor on the best materials, adhesives, and processes to ensure your home is safe and ready for your family.
