What is sustainable architecture or environmental awareness in rehabilitation and renovations
We’ve been hearing people talk for years about sustainable architecture and how it’s essential for the cities of the future, a concept that’s very well explained in our Trend Book Inspiring Living for Tomorrow. Lifestyle Trends 2024 by Neolith. But, do you really know what sustainable architecture is all about?
What is sustainable architecture?
More and more all the time, human beings are becoming aware of our impact on the environment and that’s why we’re taking measures in favor of our surroundings including the way we build buildings and how we live in them.
Although buildings were built in the past thinking about functionality and esthetics, now the idea behind sustainable architecture is to use techniques and materials that are environmentally-friendly throughout the construction processing taking into consideration the process, creation, housing and deterioration of each project. In other words, having a broader perspective of projects aware at all times of their impact on the environment. Therefore, Neolith’s 100% all-natural materials are always the best bet if you’re looking for designer surfaces that don’t leave sustainability behind.
Besides the benefits for the environment and the savings on costs, one of the greatest advantages of sustainable architecture is that you can continue having the most chic home despite using natural materials and ensuring energy efficiency. What’s more, the designs are precisely what have made many sustainable buildings well-known for their extraordinary look.
Characteristics of sustainable architecture
#1. Passivhaus criteria in architecture
To understand passive house criteria, you must first find out what it’s all about. Let’s take a look!
Passive houses or Passivhaus are types of buildings that are made in line with the Passivhaus standard. It’s a standard that aims to reduce the energy needs of heating and cooling, irrespective of the season of the year. Plus, these types of structures help us be more environmentally aware when renovating or rehabilitating our homes.
If you also want a passive home, these are the five basic principles any passive home must fulfill:
- Good thermal insulation: to achieve this, the roof and walls must be very well insulated.
- Avoid thermal bridges: to do so, never interrupt the insulation layer! This way you’ll lower the consumption of your home and be much more comfortable inside.
- Invest in quality carpentry: it’s super important for doors and windows to provide good acoustic and thermal insulation. You’ll be thankful in the long run.
- Good air tightness: decrease any infiltrations as much as possible; do so by paying special attention to joints during construction; it’s fundamental.
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery: our homes constantly generate heat meaning a good ventilation system is one that re-uses and also helps reduce energy losses.
#2. Shared spaces: a new way of living
Creating sustainable buildings is a great contribution to the environment and one example of this can be found in biohomes that advocate the use of sustainable materials and generate less contamination in the production phases. But there are also other ways to do your own bit so your home can be even more sustainable (if possible). Recycling, efficient household appliances, water savings... but have you thought about sharing common areas?
You can do so with co-living, which is all about sharing common areas of the building with your neighbors - whether that may be a laundry area, an open air terrace or a place for work meetings. Thus, you can enjoy all the common areas your home offers yet with a lower impact on the environment and your wallet.
#3. Sounds as just another architectural element
The nature of our cities and today’s lifestyles are a constant source of noise. However, architecture can design spaces that reduce exposure to noise pollution to create spaces where sound becomes just another comfort. After all, nobody likes waking up to the sound of car horns... it’s horrible!
Materials like fabrics, microperforated panels, porous false ceilings and resonance boxes are efficient ways to acoustically prepare the inside of a home. The impact of noise and acoustic problems can become very disturbing and difficult to resolve aspects if not taken into account during the design process.
So, what about you? What can you do to contribute to a more sustainable way of life?
