Sustainable architecture aims to incorporate structural and MEP systems into construction projects that positively engage with their surroundings. Green design is also known as sustainable development, ecological design and ecological architecture. All of these terms refer to an architectural approach that promotes environmental conservation and sustainability in construction projects.
Following are some key aspects of sustainable architecture:
- Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
- Efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems
- Hydraulic installations that save water
- Strategically placed windows to maximize natural light
- Rainwater harvesting
- Gray water reuse
- Landscaping with native vegetation
- Incorporation of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy
- Use local building materials to reduce transportation distance and costs
- Incorporating old structures and using recycled materials
Architects specializing in green design are constantly looking for new techniques to improve the quality of green buildings without compromising their functions. This article provides an overview of promising technologies and materials that can be used in green buildings.
Save energy and water with a green building project.
Solar tiles
Solar panels are an excellent way to save energy and reduce your electricity bill, and in some cases they can even provide extra income. For example, if the solar panel produces more energy than the building consumes, many utility companies will buy the excess energy back from the building owners. This energy is then distributed to other users through the electrical grid.
Solar tiles are an emerging technology that combines solar panels and roof tiles. Unlike solar panels placed on top of the roof, solar shingles are part of the roof, serving as a source of energy for the building. Solar tiles are more expensive than solar panels: in addition to being a source of energy for the building, they are actually tiles. Solar tiles are wired and connected to the building's electrical system. Ideally, they should have an ideal orientation that maximizes sunlight, to minimize grid electricity consumption.
Green roofs
A green roof or rooftop garden is a space or lawn that houses a variety of trees, plants and grass. This helps to lower the temperature of the entire building, while also improving the quality of the outside air. Green roofs can be considered urban lungs, and can even serve as habitats for birds and other animals. The main steps for installing a green roof are as follows:
- Waterproofing the roof through the placement of specialized barriers.
- Installation of drainage material above the waterproof layer.
- Low maintenance soil and plant placement.
Consider that a green roof adds weight, and this must be considered during structural design. To ensure correct installation, it is recommended to work with a contractor experienced in green buildings.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is a great opportunity for building owners to reduce water consumption, especially water used to irrigate landscaping and gardens. This resource is commonly used by architects in their green projects, as its application is quite simple. Rainwater harvesting also reduces runoff while helping to prevent overflows in sewer systems.
Rainwater collection systems can be as simple as containers and rain barrels, strategically placed to collect water from roofs. Some rainwater harvesting systems are more complex, using materials such as permeable concrete or sets of fountains and containers.
Proper research is important before considering a rainwater collection system. Some areas do not allow rainwater harvesting, so check your local laws before investing in a system that is not compatible. Also consider that rainwater is considered gray water, and some cities require special permits to reuse greywater in homes.
Spike
Cob is an ancient building material made from moist earth and straw mixed together and shaped into brick-like pieces or cobs. The mixture has a consistency similar to clay and can be used to create uniquely shaped houses. Builders stack cobs and use a clay-like material to shape the walls by hand, resulting in structures crafted with curved lines rather than sharp edges and angles. Cob structures typically include built-in features such as shelves, sofas, tables and other types of furniture.
Cob is made from natural materials and has a very low carbon footprint compared to conventional materials like concrete and masonry. Transportation and manufacturing costs are minimal when mud and straw can be found near construction sites. Because the cob is made by hand, its labor requirements are simple.
Containers
Old shipping containers can be reused to create homes or other prefabricated structures. Shipping crates are stacked vertically or lined up side by side to create residential and commercial buildings. These containers can then be equipped with electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Similar to cob buildings, shipping containers help prevent the environmental impact of conventional building materials.
