Category Archives: Sustainability

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How Can We “Grow” Architecture Part I

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GROW

Can we grow architecture?

This is a powerful term and can be implemented into all forms of design, however today we focus this word around architecture and how it can be implemented.

Reduce – Reuse – Recycle – Grow

As designers it is important, especially in this decade, to pay attention to creating structures that include eco-friendly, sustainable methods, while still mastering the incredible aesthetics. In this article, we look at ways of improving living at a better cost while focusing on sustainability — reuse.

Discover some creative, interesting natural building materials that can be used to create the perfect eco home:

HEMPCRETE

Have you ever heard of HempCrete? This material is much like concrete, only it is made from the inner fibers of a hemp plant. Hemp is a fast-growing and replaceable plant that, mixed with lime and water, can be used to create thermal and biocompatible walling. This results in a strong lightweight material which is fireproof, waterproof, and well-insulated.

Take a look at the use of HempCrete in Cape Town

MYCELIUM

100% natural, Mycelium is a building material of the future. It incorporates the root structure of fungi and mushrooms. This is then used to grow around other natural materials such as straw in form or cut up corn stalks and hemp, and then when dried over a couple of days, it results in the creation of strong, durable, lightweight bricks.

CARDBOARD

Cardboard, incredibly popular in the design world, grants designers no limit. As with everything, it has its pros and cons, but could it be utilized to construct a building? The answer is yes.

The sky is the limit

Cardboard can be protected from weather conditions effectively with the use of breathable, waterproof film. Finished with wooden cladding boards, it can be ultimately weatherproof. It is a great way for an architect with the aim to construct according to sustainability, cost, and approaching urban areas.

Cardboard extends itself even more in a creative way of fulfilling many design elements by its use for interiors, objects such as architectural models, tents, even fashion – the sky is the limit.

Ever popular party in Portugal, Boom Festival had outstanding eco-friendly approaches throughout the event. From well-designed luxury cardboard tents (known as the cardboard village) to compost toilets and use of solar energy to power the event. Below is a link to the Cardboard Village and view more of their approaches here: Boom Festival Environmental Approaches

Cardboard Village - Boom Festival 2018
Cardboard Village – Boom Festival 2018

Another great example of cardboard housing is the “Wikkelhouse” in Amsterdam by Fiction Factory. There are many ways in which sustainable design can be implemented, don’t be afraid to “go green.”

It’s the future.

Architecture, art, Blogging, Cape Town, design, Environment, Sustainability, Sustainable Design

Welcome to the life of an Architect Pt 1

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THE PEOPLE

The most important factor is the people that will be using the space that is designed. Each structure has a different purpose. Did you know that Will Wright, the creator of The Sims, originally made the game as an architectural simulator with living people to see how they would adjust to the buildings created? Following this, Maxis and EA Games discovered the idea and it took off.

COFFEE

Treasure it! Long nights and hard work. Every architect enjoys a good cup of coffee. It’s definitely perfect for every scenario such as long nights, meetings or site missions with clients!

PATIENCE

When working on a project it’s important to focus on the present rather than the future outcome, therefore the process will be more productive. Don’t expect things too early.

RULES

Push the boundaries and be spontaneous. We all learn with basic rules such as projects and exams but in the outside world, it’s important to negotiate and explore.

STYLE

When it comes to a personal style, stay open-minded. Remember that clients may request something different and you have to adapt. Notice the word adapt. Your style will always be in your work one way or another.

ENVIRONMENT

We are at a time where sustainable design can always be implemented in some way. Here are a few quick tips:

  • Recycled Materials
  • Eco-Friendly Lighting
  • Use of local materials/sources
  • On-site waste management
  • Building placement
  • Designing buildings with natural light and air-flow

 

Wildetecture blog by Tarryn Hardwicke

Architecture, art, Article, design, Environment, Sustainability, Sustainable Design

Sustainability and art-chitecture

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…and does it change the nature of architecture?

What is sustainable architecture and what is its purpose? Sustainable architecture aims to reduce the effect of buildings on the environment through moderating the use of materials, energy and overall use of space while also taking the future generation into consideration and creating a greener, more sustainable future for society while still creating a paragon!

Human health and the environment (present and future) drive architects towards sustainable design. Architecture differs now during the 21st century than it did in the past. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace which benefits architects enormously when it comes to sustainability.

The two topics under discussion today are, does building in a sustainable manner affect the true art in architecture? Here we look at wasteful buildings vs sustainable buildings and whether in today’s society, waste can be viewed as distasteful. Secondly, we look at the various ways an architect can go greener.

There are many debates over whether sustainable architecture shows its true colours when it comes down to an artistic perspective. Then again, as the world evolves, so does society, and as we evolve so do our views. Perspectives change the way in which we see and feel about certain things due to certain circumstances, such as pollution etc. Sustainable design, done effectively, has the ability to better the future, therefore this is something truly beautiful.

Sustainable design starts with the conscious decision for change.

Use of recycled materials

Reduce the use of volatile organic compounds – Non-toxic materials

Use local materials/sources

Bear in mind energy use and pollution

Integrate vegetation into structures

Make use of natural sources such as sun, wind and energy

Urban gardens

Building placement – structure it around peoples everyday lives

Waste management on site

Solar panels, wind turbines, solar water heating

Designing buildings that encourage natural light and/or air flow

In conclusion, each day designers are initiating fresh ideas and the future looks promising. The design world has boundless possibilities. This article is merely a conjecture.

Written by Tarryn Hardwicke