During the last couple of years, architecture firms and projects around the world have focused on offering design alternatives that reduce the impact of the industry on the environment. As a result, a new movement has been gaining strength and popularity. Eco-architecture is an approach to design that aims at finding solutions to materials and techniques traditionally used in the industry. Their goal is to have as little impact on the environment as possible while offering sustainable and inclusive spaces.
There are many ways on which eco-architecture firms and projects are working to achieve their goals. To begin with, many buildings are being built in and around habitats and natural spaces, when they used to be destroyed to give space for buildings and constructions.
We can also find projects that include nature replacement as part of the design when natural spaces are impacted. Grass roofs, structures built into a landscape like underground properties and skylight, even lighting techniques that take advantage of natural light. Gardens are also being part of several eco-architecture projects and buildings in order to encourage local wildlife to thrive in urban areas, like birds and insects.
As part of the design process of eco-friendly buildings, firms and projects also look at different materials that offer more sustainable solutions. These materials include recycled and second-hand materials and are being mixed with traditional materials like steel and plastic. Eco-architecture also aims at reusing building materials, as well as creating something new from something old.
Nowadays, this kind of project and sustainable methods are used on small scale projects like extensions or conversions. This allows properties to gain character as well as to save money and reduce building costs. Reinventing existing spaces using sustainable techniques and alternative materials also allow firms to test different building techniques and move to projects of a larger scale.
Technology plays a very important role in the design and building of eco-architecture projects, as it helps firms create sustainable buildings. In order to cool buildings and reduce indoor temperatures, mirrors are used to reflect heat away from buildings, for example. Solar panels are also installed on new buildings, too, which allows them to access renewable energy, which in turn represents lower maintenance costs and reduces energy consumption.
Since eco-friendly design alternatives are becoming more and more popular, eco-architecture firms are more popular than ever. This means they have more access to new technologies and materials that enable sustainable buildings and makes it possible to reduce the impact of the industry on the environment. These design alternatives also help business owners reduce costs and save money on their properties. This goes to show that eco-architecture represents a win-win-win situation, since firms, business owners, and more importantly, the environment, benefit from this kind of alternative building techniques.
