The Rise of Sustainable Architecture
November 10, 2021
Similar to other human activities, buildings are also known to contribute a lot in generating carbon emissions. Knowing this environmental consequence, planners and architects have now begun implementing a new approach, known as ‘sustainable architecture’. But, what is it? Here’s an insight on what this particular practice means and how it’s becoming more common as time goes by.
Sustainable Architecture: The Principles
Sustainable architecture is a concept of managing existing natural resources for needs and supplies now and in the future. Also known as green architecture, the essential goals of this practice encompass full sustainability and energy-efficiency within the building’s entire process.
Sustainability in architecture, moreover, is not only about having a solar panel or vertical garden. There are at least five ideal sustainable architectural principles, as cited from Conserve Energy Future, which include:
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Energy, land use, and water efficiency
The first principle combines various measures to achieve the goals. It works through designs that cut down energy consumption, such as the use of wind and solar, reducing water consumption while protecting the quality of water, and encouraging suitable site development.
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Low maintenance costs
In terms of cost-effectiveness, sustainable architecture uses materials and techniques that can deduct the construction and operational costs. This is because the design demands the use of recycled/reusable materials and renewable plant products.
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Waste reduction
Reducing waste of materials, energy, or water is one of the demands of green architecture. To achieve the goal, the design offers solutions by putting compost bins and/or eco-friendly waste management systems through the building occupants.
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Use of renewable energy and indoor environmental quality
In sustainable architecture, the use of wind power, biogas, and solar energy is often included as renewable energy features. In addition, the sustainable principles also call for indoor environmental quality. This includes natural temperature control, proper ventilation, and the use of products that don’t emit toxic compounds or gases.
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Material efficiency
The use of materials in construction is another part of sustainable architecture. The choices of material used in such an architecture encourage energy and water efficiency, save construction costs, and minimize resource wastage. By optimizing the construction operations, it is also expected to enhance the efficiency of the operations.
A Quick Example
The Reliving Gedek by Modernspace, Kayu Lapis Indonesia, and Byo Living is the groundbreaking example of a sustainable architecture installation. The main materials are from wooden pillars and knitted rattan panels. Then, the structure and products are made of FSC®️-certified Meranti Fujiply. Plywood sheets and Gedek panels are also included as frame materials, further proving its renewability and efficiency.
All the wood products used in the installation are produced by us, Kayu Lapis Indonesia (KLI), a wood company that implements zero waste principles and excels in sustainable growth through quality raw material processing into eco-friendly and certified wood products. As our commitment toward nature sustainability, the materials used in this installation are acquired from the forests which we nurture and manage carefully and sustainably.
Source: Life Gate; Conserve Energy Future.