A beautiful farmhouse in the Bhilwara region stands opposite the Rajasthan heaven. The building was originally presented as a sludge structure and was designed by the architect Shreya Srivastava, who decided to lead the wealth of local stone in the region to its advantage. As you can see, its pastel palette complements the surrounding earthness.
This was not the first time that 'Studio Shunya'-a company, which was concentrated on building designs with zero energy. Shreya points out how there is no lack of materials that you can use to challenge yourself if you set off with a sustainable vision.
Is it time to eliminate with petrified ways of thinking that once put cement on a pedestal? We show some projects that have aroused our interest.
1. Stone
Shreya managed to crack the code to keep the farmhouse cool despite the scorching Rajasthan sun. The answer was in stone. “Stone walls have a high thermal mass, which means that they can absorb, save and slowly release heat. This property helps with maintaining a stable internal temperature and lowers the heating and cooling costs,” explains Shreya.
You will see that the farmhouse is a pretty place, hugs from a cool breeze. The ventilation source lies in the openings around the living area, the food, the kitchen, learning and four rooms.
If you move through the property, it becomes apparent that sustainability will increasingly increase the details. For example, take the Bijolia Stone Eauve that runs along the outer of the house. “This is supported by renovated stone clips that come from a house that was torn down on the site,” says Shreya.
About the material: In addition to a robust material, Stone is also inexpensive. “Its local availability eliminates the transport costs,” says Shreya, adding that the tensile strength of the material has made cement and reinforcement rods unnecessary. In addition, the insulation properties of Stone's are a good fit for buildings.
Architects, make notes: While Shreya praises it for its benefits, the architects ask the architects to delay the stone. Instead, she says, provides superficial stone for a good bet. Another thing that you should consider is the thermal mass of the material. “It must be assessed in the area in terms of the warmth and intensity of the sun.”
2. Laminated wood glued
The architect Akshat Bhat from architectural discipline underlines how the negative effects of carbon emissions induced by architecture can no longer be exceeded.
He admits why concrete a cult favorite War-Sie cannot ignore its strength, durability and cost efficiency-but says that sticky laminated wood (developed wood, which was produced by glue several dimensioned wood layers) is also a good replacement.
Akshat announces that Glulam, a member of the mass wood family, can save atmospheric carbon dioxide, which means that it is “a sustainable carbon neutral Alternative”. These effects are one of the first residences of India in the wood residence in vagator, Goa – meaningful – built with glulam.
About the material: “Compared to materials such as concrete and steel, which release carbon during their production, the mass wood seques it and makes the material carbon negative and a sustainable alternative,” emphasizes Akshat.
In addition, architects can render fire and moisture -resistant properties of the material through the treatment of the material. Akshat has always admired Glulam's versatility. If it is prefabricated, it enables quick assembly. Houses who shy away from the maximum of maximism without wanting to enter aesthetics could try Glulam.
In fact, it could not only concrete, it could also replace steel. A study reported that Glulam “has a lower tendency towards lateral torsional bends than steel rays and that they can be cheaper and the more environmentally friendly option”.
Architects, make notes: Architects must pay attention to the ethical effects of the procurement of wood and procure it from sustainably managed forests. Glulam, which is not treated, may be susceptible to moisture, so the climate of the area must be taken into account.
3. Limette
What if your home could heal yourself? We refer to the cracks in the walls. Enter Lime, which Bhutha Irish Architecture Studio is led into many projects in Tamil Nadu. While her houses shoulder a comeback of one of the most popular building materials, the architect Vinoth Kumar explains that the properties of the material make it a good fit.
It enables moisture to escape, to prevent moisture and mold from being settled in, he says. “In addition, lime is environmentally friendly and requires less energy to produce and absorb carbon dioxide during your life cycle,” explains Vinoth.
About the material: Vinoth is a case like historical buildings that were built with lime mortar have passed the test of the time – and thus prove their longevity. He adds: “In addition, the carbon process helps to reduce the carbon and reduce climate change.”
Architects, make notes: While lime is versatile, architects should understand their types, properties and suitable applications. “Material procurement, quality assurance and the development of qualified workers are of the utmost importance.” He adds that design considerations should prioritize breathing activity, ventilation and long -term maintenance.
4. Moos walls
Have you ever thought about Moss as a building material? The architects Mitu Mathur and Shriya Diwan from GPM architects and planners have shown it in one of their projects according to their vision for more organic architecture.
About the material: The architects say that the material combines low maintenance and sustainability and gives the interiors a biophile note. The 'walls' that add do not require water or sunlight. “They are customizable and environmentally friendly and offer functional and aesthetic advantages that are ideal for modern interiors.” One of the biggest boons is their acoustic properties.
Mitu then points out: “Moos walls sound and reduce the noise load, which creates calmer and more comfortable interior environments. In open-plan offices, they are particularly effective in which the sound control is priority.”
Another advantage is that these “walls” are double as air purifier and remove harmful VOCs (fleeting organic compounds) from the ambient air and at the same time release fresh, pure oxygen. “They also help to stabilize the air humidity indoors and maintain a balanced microclimate. This creates a healthier environment, especially in offices with systems that can dry out air,” says Mitu.
Architects, make notes: Due to its sound absorption advantages, the Moss walls should be strategically installed instead of somewhere. In order to maximize the sound absorption effect, architects could use a material behind the moss or opt for thicker moss layers. “Avoid excessive direct sunlight as it can fade or dry out. Use artificial lighting strategically to prevent these effects,” says Mitu.
Published by Khushi Arora