The importance of incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable construction practices has been on the rise in the last few years. As the effects of climate change become more and more prominent, it becomes even more crucial to ensure sustainability in all aspects of a building. 

One such major concept is sustainable architecture. 

Sustainable architecture is the need of the hour in the modern construction industry as it combines the overall appeal of a structure with its functionality and eco-responsibility. As the awareness about sustainability increases, construction companies must be equipped to handle the changing requirements of the clients and create sustainable architectures. 

This article explores a brief introduction to sustainable architecture and some of its innovative design strategies. 

What is Sustainable Architecture?

Sustainable architecture is a modern design philosophy that is increasingly becoming the prevalent form of architecture in the industry. Its purpose is to create structures that are appealing as well as environmentally responsible. 

Various principles of sustainable architecture focus on minimizing the negative impact of construction on the environment. The key principles involved in this philosophy are:

• Ensuring energy-efficiency 

• Resources Conservation

• Using eco-friendly construction materials

• Adaptability

• Ensuring the health and well-being of occupants

Design Strategies for Sustainable Architecture

There can be many different types of design strategies for sustainable architecture, depending on the architect and the specific project details. New techniques and ideas are also emerging on a regular basis, so architects should remain up-to-date with industry standards and explore different design and construction ideas. 

Nevertheless, the following are the key design strategies that can help architects in creating sustainable structures:

1. Passive Sustainable Design

Passive sustainable design strategies include considering a variety of factors, such as the sun's orientation and the specific climate conditions to ensure the windows are placed on a suitable angle. 

Considering such factors is the key to ensuring natural ventilation throughout a building and also minimize energy requirements via daylighting. The areas that receive a lot of sunlight can also use thermal mass techniques to benefit from natural solar energy. 

Thermal mass techniques simply involve building thick walls so they absorb the heat from the sun during the day and then release it into the building at night. 

2. Active Sustainable Design

Active sustainable design requires architects to work with different engineers and experts to ensure a high-efficiency HVAC and other systems are implemented in the business. 

Collaboration is the key to making active sustainable design successful. 

For instance, if there are plans to install solar panels on a building, the architect should work with the solar energy system experts in advance. It will be useful in creating a modern building design in which solar energy systems can easily be incorporated. All of these steps eventually lead to smaller environmental footprints. 

3. Install Renewable Energy Systems

Installing a renewable energy system should no longer be an optional thing, especially when it comes to sustainable architecture. Using renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, is a quick and effective method of significantly reducing the environmental footprint of a building and also saving money on energy bills. 

4. Green Building Materials

Using eco-friendly construction materials is the foundation of sustainable architecture. Nowadays, it is quite easy to find complete details about different construction companies and materials manufacturers. 

Therefore, it is important to choose an environmentally responsible construction company, manufacturer, and supplier that provides materials like steel, lumber, concrete, and various other finishing materials in a safe, efficient, and eco-friendly manner. 

5. Landscaping

Landscaping not only enhances the aesthetics of a building but also has a significant impact on a building's water consumption. Generally, plants and grasses that are native to the region should be used to minimize irrigation requirements.

Landscaping is typically combined with the passive energy strategy. Plantation of large trees that shade the roof and windows during the summer is also useful in reducing the solar heat gains inside a building. Hence, architects should consider the specific design and space for landscaping as part of their complete sustainable architecture plan. 

6. Stormwater Management

Buildings, especially large ones, drastically change the way rainfall water behaves. When a site is empty, the water can easily be absorbed back into the ground and replenish the natural water table. 

However, when a building is constructed on such a site, the water cannot be absorbed back. In such situations, the water runs off the building surfaces, parking lots, and sidewalks into the storm drains. 

Therefore, stormwater management strategies, including pervious pavement and retention, must be part of sustainable architecture to minimize runoff. It will eventually be useful in reducing water runoff and releasing water back into the ground. 

7. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is a modern architectural concept that is dependent on a human's natural instinct to connect with nature. This concept is based on the principle that humans are deeply affected by the environment in which they live. 

As a result, incorporating natural elements, such as plants, interior design, organic materials, and natural lighting, has a positive impact on our health and overall well-being. The mental health benefits of biophilic design have also been proven in the popular book 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design.

Sustainable architecture and biophilic designs are closely related to each other. Architects should be familiar with the different principles and patterns of biophilic designs to include them in their designs and enhance the benefits of sustainable architecture. 

Conclusion

Overall, there is no doubt that sustainable architecture is significantly transforming the way architects, interior designers, and construction companies operate. Incorporating sustainability in building designs and construction procedures requires significant planning and effort, but it is definitely achievable. 

Ultimately, incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable design strategies is useful in making environmentally responsible buildings and making sure their occupants stay healthy and happy.

Author: Muhammad Azam

Cover image by Jonathan Borba on Pexels