Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

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2018-05-22T10:35:02Z

Sarahwilliam:

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2018-05-22T04:36:55Z

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Implementing eco-friendly building design

2018-05-17T08:58:06Z

Sarahwilliam:

[[File:Design building.jpg]]

Introduction

The construction industry is slowly embracing eco-friendly techniques in their [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_design building design] activities. The construction process has suffered from multiple challenges in terms of sustainable development. From the materials used in construction activities to electrical designs, all actions put stress on Earth’s resources and also cause environmental damage.

Sustainable Design Objectives

The aim of [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Sustainability_in_building_design_and_construction sustainable] building design is to minimize the negative impact of constructional activities on the environment and to also reduce the dependence on resources. Sustainability can be introduced by incorporating those materials that are nature-friendly and by creating optimal building solutions.

Argument For Sustainable Design

Different construction materials have a different impact on the environment. [https://sourceable.net/constructions-impact-on-the-environment/ Stats], for the US, reveal that construction industry accounts for 160 million tons of waste generation. This sector contributes about 23% to air pollution. Also, construction industry poses a great challenge in terms of its energy consumption as it accounts for about 40% of worldwide energy usage.

Additionally, these stats point to a common problem that this industry faces: lack of awareness about sustainable solutions and mismanagement of resources.

Keeping that in mind, sustainability becomes a key requirement in building design- 1) to bring down pollution levels, 2) to manage resources efficiently and minimize waste and 3) to save non-renewable sources that supply energy to these buildings.

Sustainable building process

* Eco-friendly construction materials

Employing those construction materials that can be recycled is an environmentally friendly technique to curb pollution. Such materials include timber, bamboo, straw bales etc. Proper measures need to be taken while planning the building layout to incorporate the eco-friendly elements; a complete analysis needs to be done to check which materials can fit to make better construction design while also keeping the risks to a minimum. Apart from the design, the construction activities need to be monitored for the amount of discharge so the least amount of materials go to waste.

* Solar design and solar powered products

When designing buildings, certain tweaks can be introduced to make the overall design more energy efficient. As an example, to prevent rooms from being excessively heated during summers, efficient window design can be incorporated. Glazing windows are a perfect way of ensuring that space remains ventilated. In this scenario, a simple design change can help reduce the consumption of energy by reducing the dependence on electrical energy; in this case, the energy used by fans.

Additionally, a key indicator of sustainability is reliance on renewable energy sources. Renewable sources not only come with the benefit of being eco-friendly but also that they can be replenished. One such technique is the use of solar energy in powering the buildings. From minor changes like the introduction of solar cells to complete makeover using solar panels, solar water heater etc., all tweaks bring a significant variation in the sustainability quotient.

* Machinery

A fully sustainable construction model cannot be executed without efficient machinery. Deploy construction machinery which has a good output to input ratio. Invest in long-lasting building tools. This minimizes waste generation and helps improve overall process of sustainable design.

* Space optimization

Sustainable building plans also ensure proper utilization of available space. It is crucial to keep enough room for storage. By implementing optimal [https://www.shshandlingsolutions.com/workplace-industrial-supplies/storage-solutions storage solutions], you can devise a better overall layout. Also, by adopting such eco-friendly layouts, the available area can be put to best use and space requirements can be trimmed down. Space optimization can also help in saving the forest cover.

* Lighting

If the building design gives enough space for natural lighting, the dependence on electrical energy is significantly reduced. This can be introduced through a number of factors. The positioning and orientation of your building is a strong dictator of the amount of natural light that enters the site. So by placing the window cavities in the right direction, you can control the lighting. Additionally, the alignment, as well as shapes of the construction design, also impact the ultimate output.

Action Plan

Once the design is in place, it is time to pick the eco-friendly materials to start out the construction process. Bread down your action plan into these steps-

* Picking eco-friendly building materials
* Efficient use of materials
* Monitoring the resource utilization and wastage
* Provision for enough lighting
* Space utilization
* Sustainable energy solutions

[[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Design]]

File:Design building.jpg

2018-05-17T08:56:39Z

Sarahwilliam:

Implementing eco-friendly building design

2018-05-17T08:53:02Z

Sarahwilliam: Created page with "Introduction The construction industry is slowly embracing eco-friendly techniques in their [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_design building design] activitie..."

Introduction

The construction industry is slowly embracing eco-friendly techniques in their [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Building_design building design] activities. The construction process has suffered from multiple challenges in terms of sustainable development. From the materials used in construction activities to electrical designs, all actions put stress on Earth’s resources and also cause environmental damage.

Sustainable Design Objectives

The aim of [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Sustainability_in_building_design_and_construction sustainable] building design is to minimize the negative impact of constructional activities on environment and to also reduce the dependence on resources. Sustainability can be introduced by incorporating those materials that are nature-friendly and by creating optimal building solutions.

Argument For Sustainable Design

Different construction materials have a different impact on environment. [https://sourceable.net/constructions-impact-on-the-environment/ Stats], for US, reveal that construction industry accounts for 160 million tons of waste generation. This sector contributes about 23% to air pollution. Also, construction industry poses a great challenge in terms of its energy consumption as it accounts for about 40% of worldwide energy usage.

Additionally, these stats point to a common problem that this industry faces: lack of awareness about sustainable solutions and mismanagement of resources.

Keeping that in mind, sustainability becomes a key requirement in building design- 1) to bring down pollution levels, 2) to manage resources efficiently and minimise waste and 3) to save non-renewable sources that supply energy to these buildings.

Sustainable building process

* Eco-friendly construction materials

Employing those construction materials that can be recycled is an environmentally friendly technique to curb pollution. Such materials include timber, bamboo, straw bales etc. Proper measures need to be taken while planning the building layout to incorporate the eco-friendly elements; a complete analysis needs to be done to check which materials can fit to make better construction design while also keeping the risks to a minimum. Apart from the design, the construction activities need to be monitored for the amount of discharge so the least amount of materials go to waste.

* Solar design and solar powered products

When designing buildings, certain tweaks can be introduced to make the overall design more energy efficient. As an example, to prevent rooms from being excessively heated during summers, efficient window design can be incorporated. Glazing windows are a perfect way of ensuring that space remains ventilated. In this scenario, a simple design change can help reduce the consumption of energy by reducing the dependence on electrical energy; in this case, the energy used by fans.

Additionally, a key indicator of sustainability is reliance on renewable energy sources. Renewable sources not only come with the benefit of being eco-friendly but also that they can be replenished. One such technique is the use of solar energy in powering the buildings. From minor changes like the introduction of solar cells to complete makeover using solar panels, solar water heater etc., all tweaks bring a significant variation in the sustainability quotient.

* Machinery

A fully sustainable construction model cannot be executed without efficient machinery. Deploy construction machinery which has a good output to input ratio. Invest in long-lasting building tools. This minimizes waste generation and helps improve overall process of sustainability design.

[[File:_a2TL6bg-sm11tHX8nTdzne--lF_Pk3_j7J7hrP_T2VSn1Cq2q6ST4mbwj0a5tpp53kpxJY3sXji31up-Ojm2YZ4-WbfEY4sn9KZBmyiQ3HzlGcvH46Sd3PPaajd0gtdNb6XO5nm|514px]]

* Space optimisation

Sustainable building plans also ensure proper utilization of available space. It is crucial to keep enough room for storage. By implementing optimal [https://www.shshandlingsolutions.com/workplace-industrial-supplies/storage-solutions storage solutions], you can devise a better overall layout. Also, by adopting such eco-friendly layouts, the available area can be put to best use and space requirements can be trimmed down. Space optimization can also help in saving the forest cover.

* Lighting

If the building design gives enough space for natural lighting, the dependence on electrical energy is significantly reduced. This can be introduced through a number of factors. The positioning and orientation of your building is a strong dictator of the amount of natural light that enters the site. So by placing the window cavities in the right direction, you can control the lighting. Additionally, the alignment, as well as shapes of the construction design, also impact the ultimate output.

Action Plan

Once the design is in place, it is time to pick the eco-friendly materials to start out the construction process. Bread down your action plan into these steps-

* Picking eco-friendly building materials
* Efficient use of materials
* Monitoring the resource utilization and wastage
* Provision for enough lighting
* Space utilization
* Sustainable energy solutions

[[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Design]]

Wood for the house

2018-05-17T07:23:47Z

Sarahwilliam: Created page with "File:Firewood.jpg Introduction Wood is one of the most popular building materials used in construction for years. Being a renewable, recyclable and a sustainable resource, ..."

[[File:Firewood.jpg]]

Introduction

Wood is one of the most popular building materials used in construction for years. Being a renewable, recyclable and a sustainable resource, using it over concrete or any other structural material has its advantages. The biggest benefit of this environment-friendly material is it is readily available. It is also strong, can be fabricated into all shapes and sizes and is a good insulator, which reduces the energy consumption in both heating and cooling. Thus, making it an apt construction material for homes.

Classification of Wood

* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Hardwood Hardwood]- Comes from a deciduous tree which sheds its leaves annually. It is slower growing, and thus, more dense and expensive. E.g.- Ash, Beech, Oak, Mahogany, Teak, Balsa, Maple, Elm, Walnut, etc.
* [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Softwood Softwood]- Comes from a conifer which is usually evergreen. It grows fast and straight, and therefore, less expensive than hardwoods. E.g.- Pine, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Aspen, Spruce, etc.

So, read on and know the best wood for your house.

Types of Woods

* Oak

Oak is perfect for building houses as it is the strongest and the hardest wood available. Its tough characteristic makes it ideal for support beams and foundations of buildings and thus, a favorite for builders. This wood is high quality, resistant to moisture, and has a unique appearance that adds character to a home. Oakwood also has a natural chemical that keeps it away from damages from insects and pests and thus, it does not require decay-preventative chemical surface treatment recommended for a long wood life. However, oak is available in certain geographical regions and therefore, not readily available and more expensive as compared to other kinds of woods.

* Western Red Cedar

A house made of Western Red Cedar is solid, durable, and has one of the lowest shrinkage ratios amongst the softwoods. This wood is rot resistant and naturally resilient to damages from insects, moisture and extreme weather conditions making it a good choice for the framework of the house that is exposed to sun, rain, heat and cold through the year. It is [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Sustainable_procurement sustainable] and has a unique quality of removing greenhouse gases. Western Red Cedar with its dark color is an attractive and striking looking wood which makes it one of the world's most-requested lumber for building homes. Its feature of being renewable and biodegradable adds to the many qualities of this particular softwood.

* Spruce

Though considered as a light and softer wood, Spruce has a high resistance to cracking which makes it a part of the construction world. The natural ventilation system of this wood does not warm-up the house in summers making it a good building material. Spruce lumber has high durability and a low decay resistance that makes it suitable for light construction and framing work. It has an ability to maintain its even white color for a long time, which makes the house made of this wood look elegant for years.

* Douglas Fir

This high-grade wood is one of the favorite materials of builders of residential and small commercial buildings because of its structural strength. Douglas fir has tight knots and its light yellow to a reddish brown color has the quality to adapt to all kinds of weather conditions. This popular species of wood is resistant to decay and is a choice for building material in areas that have high winds or earthquakes. With its strength, endurance, and allure, Douglas fir is used for flooring, furniture, construction of bridges, cabinetry, and furniture.

* Teak

Being strong and durable Teak is considered as the king of hardwoods. Teak has a natural resiliency under the humid weather, is resistant towards water and decay, and thus, recognized as a good option for window frames, outdoor furniture, and seating decks. Teak has a light brown to a golden brown, it darkens under the influence of sunlight, making it an ideal choice for cabinets and furniture. Due to its these unique characteristics, teak wood is a good investment option.

To know and discuss the wood and material that will be a perfect when building your house, it is advisable to approach established companies like [http://neighbourconstruction.co.uk/page/about-us Neighbour Construction] that specializes in the construction of residential and commercial building projects in London.

Of the many construction materials available, wood with its unique features and varieties remains a favorite in the construction world. Its versatility, durability, sustainability insulation qualities and eco-friendliness can be used to build anything from a framework to furniture to even, fireplaces. So, know the wood that will be best suitable to build your dream house.

[[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]]

File:Firewood.jpg

2018-05-17T07:22:36Z

Sarahwilliam: