Blog - Building Renewable

A photograph of a stylish decking area with a balcony that juts out over a green lawn. The deck has a gray glass outdoor dining table and six gray mesh-backed chairs. The decking boards are light brown and have a visible grain. The building the deck abuts has large windows along its length. There is also a large overhang on the building with prominent wooden beams that partially covers the decking area. The railing around the decking has black metal posts, steel wire cross-pieces and wood-effect handrail. In the bottom right hand corner is an icon showing a person reading a book. The words "TimberTech Composite Decking - Everything You Need To Know" appear across the top of the image.

TimberTech Composite Decking – Everything You Need To Know

ByJim Pritchard April 5, 2023August 27, 2024

TimberTech composite decking is a good choice for a durable and eco-friendly deck for your home. But with all the different options and features available at different price points, choosing the right one for your home can be confusing. This article guides you through the types, price points, and features available to help you decide.

A picture of engineered wood siding on the side of a house. It is light gray in color and oriented horizontally. Across the top of the image are the words, "Engineered Wood Siding - Advantages and Disadvantages." At the bottom of the image is a set of scales with a red cross on the left and a green tick on the right.

Wood Recycled Wood Sustainable Architecture

Engineered Wood Siding – Advantages and Disadvantages

ByJim Pritchard April 4, 2023January 7, 2025

Engineered wood siding is available in lots of different finishes. But is it the right choice for your home? We find out in this article, looking at all the pros and cons.

Two photographs of wood flooring products. The photo on the left features engineered hardwood flooring with the different layers of plywood and veneer clearly visible and being pointed out by a person holding a pencil to the side of the wood piece. The photo on the right shows solid hardwood flooring with a single wood grain visible throughout the entire thickness of the product. There are indicator gauges and a yellow question mark in the center of the image to indicate the question of which is better. Along the bottom of the image are the words "Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Better Than Solid Hardwood?"

Recycled Wood Flooring Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Better Than Solid Hardwood?

ByJim Pritchard April 3, 2023November 8, 2024

Engineered hardwood flooring is gaining popularity as a cheaper alternative to hardwood flooring. But is it better than solid hardwood? In this article, we find out.

Two photographs side by side. The left hand photo is of a composite deck being built and the one on the right is a wooden deck under construction. In the centre at the bottom is an icon of a small boy holding two green "greater than and less than" symbols in a questioning way. Across the top of the image are the words "Composite Decking-What Is It And Is It Better Than Wood?"

Decking Flooring Recycled Plastic Recycled Wood Wood

Composite Decking-What Is It And Is It Better Than Wood?

ByJim Pritchard April 2, 2023October 13, 2024

Composite decking is becoming a popular option for many householders these days. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of composite decking, including whether it’s better than wood for use on a garden deck.

Two photographs side-by-side of Trex Decking installations. The left hand image shows a square elevated decking area with steps leading up to the square seating area that has a dining table and chairs with a parasol above. There are black railings around the decking area and along the stairs. The image on the right shows a decked area that is covered with a wooden roof that has large beams. The deck appears to run along the side of a house and has wicker chairs and a coffee table with a glass top. There are palm trees growing in the garden just beyond the decking. There is an information icon in the center of the image showing an open book with the letter "I" popping out of it. Along the bottom are the words "Trex Decking - Everything You Need to Know (Pros and Cons)."

Recycled Wood Recycled Material Recycled Plastic Wood

Trex Decking – Everything You Need to Know (Pros and Cons)

ByJim Pritchard April 1, 2023May 1, 2024

Trex decking is becoming a popular alternative to standard wood decking, but why is this? This article examines the pros and cons of trex decking to understand why everyone’s talking about this innovative and sustainable building material.

A photograph of shredded plastic bottles ready for recycling with a drawing of a blue roll of recycled plastic insulation and a photo of three plastic bottles overlain. The plastic bottles are arranged in a circular "recycling symbol" shape. Across the top of the image are the words "All About Recycled Plastic Insulation (Should You Use It?)"

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

All About Recycled Plastic Insulation (Should You Use It?)

ByJim Pritchard March 31, 2023October 13, 2024

Recycled plastic insulation is becoming more popular by the day, but should you use it in your home? In this article, we tackle all the pros and cons of recycled plastic insulation and answer the most common questions about its use.

A large green house icon with multi-colored plastic pellets in the background. The pellets are arranged in vertical stripes of the same color going from gold on the left, through orange, green, pink, white, and yellow on the right. There are orange bricks along the bottom and the words "The Real Costs of Recycled Plastic Homes (3D and Bricks Too)"written at the bottom of the image in white letters on a semi-transparent orange background.

Recycled Plastic Insulation Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

The Real Costs of Recycled Plastic Homes (3D and Bricks Too)

ByJim Pritchard March 30, 2023October 13, 2024

Recycled plastic is popping up in more and more building products, making it possible to build a house entirely from recycled plastic. In this article, we look at the costs of recycled plastic homes, including 3D printed homes and homes built using recycled plastic bricks.

A collage of four photographs showing different styles of building made with recycled plastic. There is an image of plastic water bottles overlain; the water bottles are crumpled up and in the shape of a recycling icon (circular). The example buildings include the use of recycled plastic water bottles filled with dirt or other plastics as well as recycled plastic bricks and 3d printed recycled plastic. Across the bottom of the image are the words "Can You Build a House Out of Recycled Plastic? 7 Examples."

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

Can You Build a House Out of Recycled Plastic? 7 Examples

ByJim Pritchard March 29, 2023November 2, 2024

There are many examples of people who have been able to build a house out of recycled plastic. This article presents 7 of our favorites. Prepare to be amazed!

A photograph of a construction site where they are using recycled plastic bricks to build a house. The house has a timber frame and the plastic bricks are serving the same function as concrete blocks in making the walls of the house. In the bottom right hand corner of the image are two arrows with "pros" and "cons" written on them. Across the top of the image are the words "The Pros and Cons of Using Recycled Plastic Bricks to Build."

Recycled Plastic Recycled Material Sustainable Architecture

The Pros and Cons of Using Recycled Plastic Bricks to Build

ByJim Pritchard March 28, 2023January 9, 2025

More and more companies and their clients are using recycled plastic bricks to build with these days. In this article, we examine the reasons for this, the advantages of plastic bricks, and their drawbacks.

A segment of cork insulation sitting atop a full sheet.

Cork Insulation Sustainable Architecture

Your Ultimate Guide To Cork Insulation: All You Need To Know

ByErin Shine March 27, 2023October 13, 2024

Cork is an excellent alternative to bulkier insulation materials such as fiberglass and rock. As it is easily attainable, cork is an eco-friendly option for insulating the modern home. So what do you need to know before using cork insulation to increase your home’s energy efficiency?