Carbon Neutral Architecure

In recent years, the serious risks and consequences of climate change have become apparent to the world. With many people and corporations making significant changes in their lifestyles to minimise their carbon footprints. Raising temperatures, sea levels and changes in weather patterns will (and already have been) affecting plants, animals and humans and the quality of life, including the built environment.

Natural sources of Co2 emissions:

  • Decomposition
  • Ocean release
  • Respiration
Human sources of Co2 emissions:
  • Cement production 
  • Deforestation
  • Burning of fossil fuels (e.g coal, oil and natural gasses)

A carbon neutral building is when greenhouse gas emissions are minimised at all stages, including the manufacturing processes, during construction and during use. Any emissions that are produced, are balanced by climate-positive initiatives so that the net carbon footprint overtime is zero.

‘Populus’ is a Denver hotel designed by Chicago based architecture firm Studio Gang. Developer Urban Villages has aimed for this to be the ‘first carbon positive’ hotel in the United States. They will achieve this ‘carbon positive’ design through ‘substantial ecological effort offsite, including an initial commitment to planting trees that represent over 5000 acres of forest.’ They are also aiming to remove additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.


The Populus’ shape was inspired by the aspen tree and will be covered in windows that resemble the trees bark. The structure is maximised in efficiency, use a low-carbon concrete mixture and ‘high recycled’ content materials. 

The largest net-zero-carbon housing scheme in England has also been proposed by Stirling Prize winning studio Mikhail Riches, who plan to deliver 600 Passivhaus homes in York. The goal is to provide affordable homes with low-energy bills and residents will be encouraged to live and follow low-carbon lifestyles (such as using sustainable transport methods and using the provided allotment spaces to grow their own food).  From now on MR will only work on zero-carbon projects demonstrating a shift in the architectural industry.


The construction sector is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and therefore change is having to be made. Architects and developers are now recognising the importance and necessity of sustainable design and implements systems that mus address energy conservation. This is a global goal and the architectural and construction industry plays a key role in minimising global warming and emissions. 




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sacred Geometry & Humane Architecture

Image
Sacred Geometry & Humane Architecture Sacred Geometry:  Sacred definition: does not mean ‘holy’, but rather pertains to certain truths of mathematical and geometric constructs that are rooted in deep meaning both as microcosmic and macro cosmic scales. ‘It is our own sacred connection with creation eternity and the totally of the great ecosystems, inner and outer’. - Plato defined a range of Platonic solids in which he posted that each form represented an element and were so elegant and essential that they make up our entire universe. These forms Were defined as: Cube (earth) Pyramid (fire) Octahedron (air) Dodecahedron (ether) Icosahedrons (water) - The idea of these cosmic building blocks remains and resonates today. Microcosmic and macrocosmic relationship. The whole related to the parts and the parts related to the whole. - Mans fascination with the forms of our cosmos has constant. From the astronomers of the ancient Arab worlds through to he philosopher and mathematician...
Read more

Japanese Architecture

Image
I have found Japanese architecture very interesting to research in this weeks blog as it differs in many ways to that of European architecture that i have been previously looking at… Japanese structures are traditionally built for the summer and therefore are very open and lack a sense of ‘security’. They typically may feature transparent, sliding doors as the main access into the house. The Japanese share spaces such as gardens with their neighbours. Traditionally, structures are built from wood and elevated off the ground with tiled/ thatched roofs. Spaces are extremely functional, for example walls can be partitioned by grooves in the floor to slide and allow easy change to the layout and therefore use of the space. This a clever use of material as it can create different environments in summer or winter depending on how the partitions are arranged, somewhat acting as ‘clothes’ for the house. The word ‘ shoji ’ is a term to describe the partitions between rooms. This can make the li...
Read more

70s Architecture and Interior Design

Image
  ‘Brutalist’’ architecture emerged during the 1950’s and its style rose in popularity until it peaked during the mid 70’s. Hans Asplund, a Swedish architect created the word ‘’brutalist architectural style’ to characterise the Villa Goth in Uppsala, which he designed in 1949. It originated from the French word ‘Beton brut’’ meaning ‘ready mixed concrete’. It is also used by Le Corbusier to describe the type of material he uses for his architectural works. (Villa Goth pictured below). Known for its use of functional reinforced concrete and steel, modular elements and utilitarian feel, Bruutalist architecture was primarily used for commercial and institutional buildings however is seen a lot today still as was used for creating critically needed housing. Brutalist architecture declined in popularity heading into the 1980s, due to the cold and harsh nature. It also didn’t age well in British weather with concrete often showing signs of damage and decay that brought down the overall a...
Read more