Sustainable architecture is becoming a more commonly used term and one that is increasingly being requested by our clients. And for us at VAKOTA, it is music to our ears.
Sustainable architecture refers to buildings that are designed to limit humanity’s impact on the environment: an eco-friendly approach to modern day building encompassing every aspect of the planning, design and construction process. This includes the choice of building materials, heating, cooling, plumbing, waste and ventilation systems, not to mention the integration of the building into its natural landscape.
The environmental integrity of a building is now a key consideration in the design of new buildings and the renovation of existing ones.
Good design improves our quality of life and minimizes harmful impacts on our health. Clients are also seeing the benefits of more environmentally responsible buildings through future-proofing and reduced operating costs. As a result, we are seeing more sustainable architecture projects being realized, seeking to minimise the negative environmental impact of our homes and workspaces.
In the US, buildings account for 39% of CO2 emissions. Globally, architecture was responsible for 40-50% of waste deposits in landfills at the turn of the new millennium and 20-30% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Today, construction is responsible for up to 50% of climate change, 40% of energy usage globally, and 50% of landfill waste – not to mention air, water and noise pollution, and destruction of natural habitats.
As the effects of climate change and other environmental issues become more pronounced, it is more important than ever to find ways to protect the environment.
Designing sustainable architecture means taking a few fundamental elements into consideration, such as orientation, shading and sunlight, natural ventilation and the use of biomass.
For example, when creating the design of a new home we always take into consideration aspects where we can preserve existing materials, or substitute high environmental impact materials for lower impact alternatives – replacing conventional materials, swapping out concrete with sustainable alternatives, such as hempcrete made from hemp, lime and water, or conventional plastics with innovative bioplastics made from algae.
Sustainable architecture is underpinned by a philosophy that advocates sustainable energy sources. Where feasible, we always design for energy efficiency, including the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, geothermal and solar.
For newbuilds, the building can be oriented to take full advantage of seasonal changes in the sun’s position. Energy conservation is also key. Buildings can be ‘weatherised’ for maximum protection against the loss of warm or cool air. Appropriate insulating materials and window glazing can be installed to reduce heat loss in ways that do not cause indoor humidity.
VAKOTA’s Matt Kocyba is currently working on an innovative residential project in Greenwich, Connecticut with clients who are passionate about green living and sustainability. Our eco approach to the design is the number one priority throughout each decision-making process. Built within the grounds of a wilderness preserve, the house sits within nature. It is especially important to the owners that the flora and fauna are disrupted as little as possible.
Stephen Taylor is leading a Brooklyn project for clients who wish to make their townhouse as self-sufficient as possible and run off-grid! This project began with the removal of the gas supply to reduce the use of fossil fuels. We then placed solar panels on the roof to offset the new electrical usage. We are now in the process of increasing the insulation of the home (exceeding the minimum energy code requirements).
The environmental impact of construction is one that cannot be ignored. To minimize this effect, sustainable architecture is the way forward. In all our design processes, we not only take into consideration the requirements of the client, but the requirements of our planet and how we can preserve this outstandingly magical environment for future generations.
