Tag: environment

Architecture & Building

What are the benefits of Sustainable architecture?  

7th March 20230

Firstly, sustainable architecture is also referred to as green architecture or environmental architecture. It is architecture that seeks to minimise the negative environmental impact of buildings. Through improved efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, development space and the ecosystem at large.   

Why is sustainable architecture so important?  

With global warming increasing, it is important to create buildings that decrease the negative effects of carbon use and emissions. This is achieved via materials, construction and internal systems. Building and construction account for more than 35% of global final energy use and for nearly 40% of energy related CO2 emissions. 

Material impact and waste –  

The goal of sustainable architecture is to create buildings that have low carbon footprint throughout their life cycle.  

Every material used contributes significantly to a building’s embodied carbon footprint, as the manufacturing, transport and installation of materials produces greenhouse gas emissions.  

Furthermore, green architecture minimises the environmental impact and waste of materials by prioritising recycled and recyclable materials.  

Sustainable building features –  

  • Energy efficient  
  • Water efficiency  
  • Green roofs  
  • Stormwater management 
  • Solar power 
  • Recycling  
  • Landscaping  

Benefits of sustainable architecture –  

  • Conservation and restoration of natural resources  
  • Reduction in energy consumption and waste  
  • Protection of ecosystems and environmental biodiversity  
  • Improvement of air and water quality 
  • Competitive advantage  
  • Upgrade asset and property values  
  • Reduction in long term costs and dependence on traditional energy sources  
  • Minimises demand on local utility infrastructure  
  • Improve the living conditions, health and comfort of inhabitants 

Overcoming challenges –  

Finally, it is proven that sustainable architecture benefits everyone, from businesses, individuals, the economy and the environment. However, although there are benefits to sustainable architecture there are also challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the cost. While sustainable building might save you money in the long run, the materials and methods are way more expensive than traditional construction.  

Image: WOHA
Architecture & Building

Learn all about Biodiversity in architectural design  

21st February 20230

What is biodiversity?  

Firstly, biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is considered important and desirable. Its important because it boosts the ecosystems productivity, where each species has an important role to play.  

How can architecture help biodiversity? 

The impact architecture has on the ecosystem is enormous. In addition architecture can contribute to biodiversity by creating habitat opportunities as part of new developments. Planted roofs, roadside trees, together with larger green infrastructure like parks and wetlands, can foster biodiversity by providing habitat for breeding, shelter and food for birds, pollinators and other animals.   

Architects impact biodiversity in five main ways:  

  • Decisions regarding roofs, walls, landscape 
  • Conservation and rehabilitation of existing structures 
  • Materials used in construction – their sourcing, assembly, and disposal 
  • Adverse effects of buildings in terms of air and water pollution  
  • Resources needed to sustain buildings in use. Energy, water, etc.  

Ways you can increase biodiversity –  

Protect and restore the design –  

This is the first and most important rule. You should get to know local ecology and protect it. If you are building in a degraded area, you should try to understand its past and see if you can restore what was there previously.  

Diversity –  

Furthermore, to avoid disease, pests, and to support biodiversity you should select plants from a maximum of 30% of the same family, 10% of the same genus, and 20% of the same species. 

Use native species –  

If an urban environment is so different, some native species may not flourish in it. If you aim to increase biodiversity in the plants and animals’ kingdoms, the native species will support the wild life.  

How does architecture help the environment?  

Finally, architects need to make buildings that are friendly and green to the environment which can be adaptable to the surroundings. Meaning they need to create more eco-friendly and energy efficient buildings.  

Credits: https://learning.open-city.org.uk/bugs-in-the-city/
Advice Center, Architecture & Building

Stilt houses: reasons why you should raise your home 

18th October 20220

What is a stilt house?  

Stilt houses are houses built on elevated platforms. They can be built in a variety of locations. They are usually constructed over water, but they can also be built on dry land.  

Why are houses built on stilts?  

Many people have been building homes on stilts since the prehistoric times. Elevating homes can protect them against flooding and keep animals out. Which is why these types of homes are very popular in tropical and coastal regions.  

Are stilt houses safe?  

Even though they may seem unstable, houses built on stilts are normally secure. Builders traditionally use wood, bamboo, cane, or rattan for stilted houses. However, steel is now more commonly used as a construction material.  

Steel usually holds well in the ground and is less likely to break than other materials. Steel stilts will hold up adequately even if you want to build your house on an uneven surface. Although, like any house the structural integrity lies within the hands of the builders.  

Benefits of stilt houses –  

  • Maximise the view. By elevating your home your house will typically stand higher than other houses in the area. This will provide you with amazing views and far-reaching perspective of the surrounding environment.  
  • Extra space and ventilation beneath the house. With the house being raised you have a load of free space under the house, many people use this area as a car port. It also improves ventilation because the cool air can flow under the house. 
  • You can build on uneven ground. Because the house is off the ground you can build above uneven ground. This is good for the environment because the land is facing minimal damage. 
  • Can build over water. This not only makes for an unusual living space, but it also lessens the house’s mass and footprint on the fragile shore. 
Image: Shutterstock

Advice Center, The science of a happy home

Everything to know about an Eco-house

6th January 20220

What is an eco-house?   

An eco-house is an environmentally low-impact home. Designed and built using materials and technology that reduces its carbon footprint and lowers its energy needs. Eco-homes are important to the environment because they meet the sustainable needs. For example,  

  • Reducing waste by re-using and recycling materials.  
  • Energy generation  
  • Controlling pollution  
  • Water conservation 

Why are they important?  

There designed to have little impact on the planet. Standard homes burn fossil fuels for power and heat; however, the fuels are the leading cause of climate change. Whereas, eco-friendly homes are all about being energy efficient and using natural materials.  

The 3 key elements to most eco homes –  

Renewable energy –  

Firstly, a renewable electricity supply is vital for an eco-house. The most popular way to generate your own electricity is by installing solar panels. Initially, solar panels can be quite expensive, however, in the long run, you will be saving loads.  

Insulation –  

Eco-houses hold onto heat better. In addition, insulation, airtightness, and double/ triple glazed windows are important in sustainable designs. By creating an insulated, airtight house regulates its own temperature. In addition, meaning you won’t need a boiler or a heating system. 

Sustainable materials –  

Finally, an eco-house is one fully built from sustainably sourced and natural materials. Wood is used to build timber frames of eco-houses. It is best to use recycled materials, instead of getting brand ones.  

Benefits of eco-houses –  

  • Lower energy bills  
  • Less maintenance works  
  • Better air quality  
  • Higher property value  
  • Innovative design  

How much does it cost to build an eco-house?  

The price of your eco-house will depend on the size, location, and whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an old property. In addition, Eco-houses can be very expensive. However, it is proven that in the long term they are actually cheaper.  

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Advice Center

All the information you should know about agriculture

17th December 20210

What is agriculture?  

Its the process of producing food, feed, fiber, and many other desired products by the cultivation of certain plants and the raising of domesticated animals.  

Agriculture was the key development in the rise of human civilization, whereby the farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities.  

In addition, while other scientists, inventing and others devoted to improving farming methods are also said to be engaged in agriculture.  

What is agricultural land?  

Its the controlled use of other forms of life, particularly the rearing of livestock and the production of crops to produce food for humans. It is a synonym for both farmland and cropland.   

The origins of agriculture –  

The development of agriculture enabled the human population to grow larger. In addition, there is no single origin. A variety of plants and animals have been independently domesticated at different times, in numerous places. The first one appears to have developed at the closing of the last glacial period or ice age. 

Agritecture –  

Agritecture is about applying architectural thinking when designing for the built environment. Architects and urban farmers incorporate it into the surrounding city environment in very different ways.  

According to Henry Gordon Smith, one of the early advocates of agritecture. In addition, he describes it as the art, science, and business of integrating agriculture into cities.  

“Architecture can no longer stand in place, while climate changes. Architecture and urban planning can serve as a mitigator or hindrance to climate action. It is with this regard, that agriculture can start to respond. By integrating within architectural designs. Urban farming solutions and cities could address environmental, social, and economic challenges thus developing resilient food systems in the face of climate change. “  

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Design and insperation

Eco-Friendly Ways To Improve And Create An Eco-House

25th November 20210

Building an eco-house has never been easier than what they are now. They have become the new focus for many new builds, wanting to help the environment.  

What is an eco-house? 

An eco-house is a type of home that tries to lessen its impact if the environment. This affects everything, including the materials chosen to build it. Also, the water and energy usage are set up to be as efficient as possible. 

Are eco-homes good to live in? 

One of the biggest benefits of choosing to build with eco materials is that they are free from harmful chemicals, finishes, and potential environmental pollutants. This makes them safer to build and a healthier home environment.  

Do you need planning permission for an eco-house? 

Getting planning permission for an eco-project will be similar to planning permission on a traditional build. Whether you get accepted will depend on the location and the overall look and design of your project.   

If you are planning to build an eco-house here are some things you should include:  

  • Double or triple glazed windows  
  • Large windows that increase daylight – larger windows means that more sun light will light up the house. This will help you save energy.  
  • High levels of insulation – increasing the amount of thermal insulation is the main component of preventing energy loss.  
  • High levels of airtightness 
  • Heating and/or hot water provision from a renewable source (solar panels, heat pump) 
  • Renewable energy systems, such a solar PV and solar thermal – placing solar panels towards the sun means that you will be getting free heat and electricity gained from the sun 
  • Build with sustainable materials  

How much does it cost to build an eco-house? 

Eco-houses and their various features can be more expensive than traditional homes. However, you should keep in mind that you are making an investment in the environment. In Scottland, it cost around £325,000 to build an eco-house in the Unst, but because of the extra costs, it would come to around £195,000 – £200,000 on the mainland. 

Why are eco-friendly homes important? 

Green homes are environmentally friendly because they make use of renewable and plentiful clean energy sources. They also help reduce your carbon footprint; this would help slow climate change. They reduce air and water pollution and helps maintain clean water resources.  

Alternative Sources of Energy and Eco Homes - Environments in Danger
Advice Center

Everything you need to know about Brownfield land

11th November 20210

Firstly, have you ever heard the term brownfield and wondered what it meant? Carry on reading to find out everything you need to know.  

What is brownfield land?  

Brownfield land is previously developed land that is not currently in use that may be potentially contaminated. The term is also used to describe land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes with known or suspected pollution. This includes soil contamination due to hazardous waste. 

Why should you use brownfield land?  

Because brownfields are previously developed and have been used for industrial, commercial, the land is now vacant. By reusing this land, you are leaving the green open spaces alone, which is better for the environment.  

Redevelopment of brownfield sites at the top of the UK development strategy. It not only cleans up the environmental health hazards, it helps with the cleanliness of the city. in addition, it also encourages restoring damages in the community. With an estimated need to build 300,000 new homes per year, brownfield sites could be the answer to the UK’s housing shortage.  

Renovating brownfield land can breathe new life into areas most in need. It is the building’s equivalent of recycling. However, it is vital that we use the land wisely, prioritising brownfields and protecting Greenfields.   

What is a greenfield and why it’s important –  

Firstly, greenfield land is a land that has not yet been built on. They are usually open fields, kept off-limits by the general public by a private or government entity. The idea of the names was that the vibrant untouched land will be green, and the developed land will look brown.  

The Advantage and disadvantages of brownfield sites –  

 For example, advantages:

  • More likely to get planning permission  
  • Stop city expansion as its already in the city  
  • Building on brownfields are better for the environment 
  • Cheaper because you don’t have to put road access and drainage in  

For example disadvantages:

  • Have to clear or destroy what the land was originally used for 
  • Buying land is expensive  
  • Less space for gardens  
  • Don’t have much choice on what to build 
  • Decontamination costs can be expensive  

Planning permission –  

The new policy announced by the government will see automatic planning permission granted on brownfield sites in an attempt to raise the productivity of the economy.  

Finally, the annual state of brownfield report shows that there is enough suitable brownfield land available in England for more than 1 million homes across over 18,000 sites.  

Enough Brownfield land for one million homes – Friends of the Peak District

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Architecture & Building

How Architecture Impacts The World At Large

7th October 20210

Throughout history, architecture has stood as a representation of society, reflecting the values, success, and eventually the downfall of civilizations over time. We can learn a lot from the people before us, the ones who inhabited monumental structures and buildings. By studying the environment of the past, and combining it with modern-day research, it is clear to see the effects architecture has on people.   

The importance of architecture  

Architecture exists to create a physical environment in which people live in. However, it’s also a part of our culture, it is a representation of how we see our country or ourselves. For example, London, England has Victorian architecture that was constructed during the reign of Queen Victoria. And in Greece and Rome, the architectural style is classical and often expressed by the temple as an oblong enclosure or surrounded by columns. Styles of buildings were originally shaped by the climate of the location. Also what materials were available, and the values of the society building them.    

Architecture grew from the human need for shelter, but not it’s a form of identity. In addition, the internet and new technology are bringing the world closer together, they are finding more common ground between them. Cultures are coming together and they are sharing designs, which is quite a powerful thing.  

15 Top Architectural Styles

How architecture can affect a person  

 Architecture affects people on a personal level. And it can have a profound impact on its occupants. The layout of the space and the materials can contribute to a ds a person’s health, mood, and productivity. People who work in well-designed spaces are more focused, are less sick, and contribute more to their company. although the space needs to be functional it should also make you feel comfortable  

The impact it has on the environment  

The impact on the environment can be positive and negative. Studies have shown that man-made structures constitute 40% of the world’s energy use. And these numbers are only going to rise. Although big architectural buildings are popular and the most famous, creating eco-friendly structures ensures the existence of future generations.  

Sustainable architecture seeks a positive environment and architecture relationship. For starters using environment-friendly construction materials are essential. Also designing structures that have maximum use of natural light and air circulation will minimise the use of electricity. One of the main problems for the environment is pollution, building with a reduced carbon footprint reduces the increase of greenhouse gases.  

Sustainable architecture

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Design and Inspiration

A beginner’s guide to know all about green roofs

12th August 20210

What is a green roof? 

green roofs are buildings that are that is covered completely with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. The roof may include a root barrier, which is a physical wall underground placed so that plants may cohabit together. Also, a drainage and irrigation system, so the roof doesn’t get damaged. An irrigation system is an artificial process of applying controlled amounts of water to land to help the production of crops. The drainage system is so the roof doesn’t get filled up with excess water because it could cause a leak.  

What are the types of green roofs?

There are two types of green roofs and they are: 

Intensive: A tensive roof is one that is used as a recreational space, and often includes similar features to traditional parks and gardens. For example, intensive roofs would usually have shrubs, trees, paving, lawns, and even water features. It is basically a garden on your roof.  

Extensive: Extensive roofs normally intend to be viewed from a different location as visual or ecological features. These also do not have people walk on them apart from for Maintenace purposes.  

Why are they so popular and what are the benefits?    

The green roof market in 2017 was growing by 17% each year. This is because green roofs are very eco-friendly and they are a good way to promote environmental sustainability.  They also have a lot of benefits one of the main ones is that they reduce temperatures and remove heat from the air. In the summer green roofs protect the building from solar heat, and in the winter green roofs minimise heat loss through the added insulation of the roof. They’re also very aesthetically pleasing to look at and that’s why a lot of people go for the extensive roof. Another benefit is that green roofs reduce the risk of fires because of the high water content in the plants. That is a great thing because green roofs provide habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife.  

Green roofs do tend to be more expensive than a traditional roofs, because of all the extra support and the layers that need to be installed.  You would need to maintain it by removing the weeds and applying fertilizer so that the plants carry on growing. You could also have drainage issues, which could lead to excess water flow. However, the roofs also have an average life span of around 40 years. That would end up saving you around £144,397.00 in the long run.  

As you can see there are far greater benefits for a green roof. If you are an environmentalist or if you’re not this roof provides a lot of positives for the environment and in general.  Over the last few years, they have been becoming a lot more popular and the sales of them are growing.

Gallery of Sky Garden House / Guz Architects - 2
A green roof example