Sustainable architecture has many different attributes. It needs a lot of different sets of strategies namely, active and passive. We at Design Consortium top architects in Delhi have made a consolidated list.
Passive strategies:- These strategies use nature’s resources to maintain a comfortable accommodation setting for the users. Here are a few techniques used at the best new architecture firm in Delhi.
- Adaptive re-use
This strategy is changing the use of something existing into something new and current. It could range from upcycling materials to upcycling an existing building. This helps in using manufactured materials and prevents them from going into landfills. - Heritage Conservation
This technique is not only effective ecologically it is also ecologically efficient. It promotes skilled labour, increases property value, revitalizes the neighbourhood and opens an array of tourism opportunities. This strategy encourages the re-use of existing building materials, thus extending the life of the components beyond their intended use. - Site-Optimization
Context plays an important role in the construction of a building, right from the design stage. The design needs to optimize the utilization of daylighting, solar heat gain, natural shading and ventilation. The selected site needs to be in close proximity with schools, shopping districts, public transit, open green spaces etc. - Passive Solar Design
This technique optimally utilizes the sun’s energy for heating or cooling of living spaces. This positively takes advantage of the natural properties of materials and their exposure to sun and air. Similar to what is used by the best architectural firm in India. - Thermal Mass
Thermal mass is optimized by the ability of materials to absorb heat. Materials like concrete have a high tendency and capacity to absorb. This heat gets dispersed into the building which can lead to the heat island effect. Using materials with optimal thermal mass aid in the reduction of indoor temperature and humidity. - Off-Grid building
A truly off-grid building does not rely on the municipal water supply, sewer, natural gas, electrical power grid or any other utility services. The water can be sourced on-site through a well or through rainwater harvesting. The site could be designed with a traditional septic system, composting toilets and/ or constructed wasteland. The power could be generated on-site by solar photovoltaics or wind turbines. - Deep Overhangs
A well-articulated window shading will allow optimal solar heat gain during winters while limiting solar heat gain in summers. A strategically planned roof overhang will provide complete shade to windows even when the sun is at its highest. - High Albedo Roofing
Roofing materials that have a high reflecting capability limit the amount of heat absorbed by the roof. The colour of the roof can also help decrease the heat intake of the building by a large amount. - Recycled Materials
Building materials are given a new life by being repurposed after their supposed end of life. - Exterior materials
Durable and natural exterior cladding materials extend the building’s lifespan. At the end of the material’s lifespan, it can ideally be returned to the biosphere with no negative impact on the environment. - Green Roof Systems
A living roof with automated irrigation systems will significantly contribute towards reducing building heat gain as well as the urban island effect. This helps keep the building cool with the help of evaporation, while positively utilizing greywater. - Indoor Air Quality
This refers to the concentration of contaminants inside the enclosed space. IAQ is affected by the choice of interior material and optimal natural ventilation.
Active strategies:- These strategies use purchased industry to achieve optimal comfort. These include mechanical systems which both utilize energy as well as produce energy.
- Grid Connected
This helps the building function optimally when the energy generated by the building is less than the required energy. - Net-positive energy cost
PV cells are to be used when the chosen site is suitable for harvesting solar energy. Net-Positive Cost of Energy means that within the period of one year, a project generates enough energy to exceed the cost of energy paid for energy utilized. - High-efficiency HVAC
These strategies need to be personalized to the location and use of the building. It should work with passive strategies to reduce the energy consumed. - Building automation
Intelligent buildings help reduce manual effort in the process of reducing energy consumed. - Greywater reuse
Greywater is an umbrella term for water used while bathing, showering and hand washing. It could also include water from kitchen sinks and even laundry units. This water can be repurposed to be used for irrigation and toilet flushing.
The above-mentioned strategies need to be used in conjunction with each other to create a fully sustainable architecture that helps the environment as well as our pockets. Design Consortium is an accolade of some of the best architects in India, who stand by these tried and tested methods.