Architecture is a fascinating line of industry that is rife with
creative opportunity. Throughout history we have seen countless
innovative designs from all over the world, from historical architecture
of the past to the downright bizarre, the realm of building design is
certainly a multi-faceted one. However, it’s not all about looks when it
comes to architecture, at least not in the modern era. Nowadays,
architecture and building design comes with additional responsibility:
sustainability. Over the last few years there’s been a noticeable rise
in environmental awareness and a shift in focus that encourages people
to live greener lives, and this has extended into the buildings they
use. Let’s take a look at some of the world’s most sustainable buildings
and see how they measure up.
The Change Initiative
Located in Dubai, TCI is officially the most sustainable commercial
building in the world to date. The building itself is a shop that
provides sustainable solutions, so we certainly know that it practices
what it preaches. While most of the materials used to create TCI is
recyclable (including the water they use), the roof is equipped with
solar panels and heat-reflective paint which provides 40% of the
building’s energy, and the outer structure has three times the
insulation of your average building. The building’s logo is a clever
play on the ‘on switch,’ reinforcing the circuitous nature of
sustainable living.
Pixel
Pixel was the most sustainable commercial building in the world
before TCI knocked it from the top spot, so it’s certainly worthy of
note. Built in Australia, it was the first building to ever be granted a
perfect Green Star score and set precedence for sustainable
architecture in the country. Pixel itself is a small office building
that makes use of several innovations for sustainability, including a
sun shade system that lets natural light into the office whilst reducing
glare and heat. The building even generates its own electricity through
the use of wind turbines. It’s also fair to say that the design is
pretty striking; certainly one to be remembered.
Z6 House
The Z6 House in California is all about innovative and convenient
sustainable design. In fact, the name itself is based on the philosophy
of achieving zero levels across key areas: waste, energy, carbon
emissions, water and ignorance. Essentially, the Z6 house is a
combination of every sustainable method of construction, and the result
is not only a zero waste home, but a stylish looking one too. The
building makes heavy use of solar power and this is responsible for
around 70% of its energy use. Through other luxuries such as solar
powered water heaters and heated floorboards, the Z6 house makes the
best of natural resources.
This list barely begins to scratch the service of sustainable
architecture and construction, but it does tell us that it’s not just a
fad. By making use of some creative thinking, innovative ideas and
software provided by companies such as
Oasys, buildings such as this are paving the way for green construction and symbolise great changes to come.
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