By Meredith Price Levitt
photos from Knafo-Klimor Architectural Firm |
Architects who focus on 'green' are using techniques that increase the overall energy efficiency of a building. This means integrating the naturally powerful elements, such as the wind and the sun, in a way that makes them more productive. By taking advantage of solar power and wind, architects can create structures that are naturally well-ventilated and solar heated, which entails less use of air-conditioning and heating units.
Buildings today have a huge environmental impact. In the United States alone, buildings account for 39% of total energy use, 12% of total water consumption, 68% of total electricity consumption and 38% of the total carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, by turning to greener buildings, we can significantly decrease the damage to our environment.
By Example
The Knafo-Klimor architectural firm based in Israel recently created a new type of urban environment for a Beijing apartment building. Winners of the 2nd international architecture competition for sustainable design, partner David Knafo explains that building green means building right.
"The problem the world is facing with global warming and climate change is largely caused by a philosophy that our natural resources are unlimited," says Knafo. "In order to change this, we need to change our standards of living and promote radical changes in urban life."
However, as Knafo points out, that change should not be viewed as a burden. Rather, the potential changes should be seen as an opportunity for people to enjoy an all-around healthier lifestyle.
In the building Knafo and his partner Tagit Klimor designed, there are two principal elements: a vertical greenhouse attached to an atrium that functions as a thermal chimney, heating and cooling the building. The greenhouse, which faces south, provides a multi-floor garden for the cultivation of crops, such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. Grown on soil-less substrate that is environmentally friendly, the garden is also equipped with an irrigation system that reuses grey water.
Sustainable or 'agro' housing allows individuals to provide for more of their own needs while simultaneously using fewer resources. "Individuals in this building are able to produce part of their own food, which not only saves resources but is also healthier," says Knafo. "Eating less processed food and more raw foods is better for you."
And There's More...
A kindergarten on the ground floor provides a place for the children without a long commute, and a roof-top terrace is designed as a social and entertainment area for the residents. The building's ground floor also ensures a minimal footprint by adding surfaces for gardening and rainwater harvesting.
"This type of architecture proposes a new social structure in which residents commute less and use fewer resources but have higher standards of living. This type of building integrates food source with work space, education and entertainment, making it more sustainable."
In addition to the preservation of energy and attention to self-sufficient sustainability, the materials for construction were carefully considered. They were chosen based on their thermal qualities, their durability and their ability to be recycled. Interior panels were made of recycled light plaster, which enables the residents to arrange them according to their own personal needs.
The Challenges Of Green Architecture
The downside to sustainable building is that it often costs about 20% more than regular construction and not every country or individual has the resources to build this way. Nevertheless, with the increasing awareness of global warming at the forefront of an international media campaign, Knafo says that many countries are starting to change the building laws and traditional zoning laws in order to integrate more environmentally-friendly buildings.
"We can no longer see our resources as unlimited," says Knafo. "We have to start re-evaluating our existence on this planet if we want a future."
Nevertheless, Knafo is realistic about that change. If people are to make the necessary changes, it has to be in a way that is attractive.
"Sustainability is often interpreted by limitation, and this is the wrong policy," says Knafo. "You can't ask people to refrain from turning on lights or to leave their car in the garage or not use the bathroom. They won't do it." Rather, Knafo proposes a new way of thinking that uses technology and natural resources as an opportunity to integrate seamless change.
"We can put more windows in houses to bring in more natural light, and we can put in fixtures that use less energy. We can use our water more wisely and recycle it."
But how can the average person who cannot afford to build a new ‘green' home, make changes to help themselves and the environment?
Knafo has a few useful recommendations:
• Re-use whatever you can by fixing old things and keeping household items, such as coffee cans, instead of buying new ones.
• Use both sides of the paper whenever you can
• Take a bike to work instead of driving
• Use the water for dishes and showers and brushing your teeth carefully instead of just letting the tap flow freely
• Don't buy clothes you don't need
• Recycle whatever you can - glass, plastic, aluminum, paper etc.
• Don't take plastic bags from the grocery store. Instead, buy a shopping bag that you can put your food in and roll home.
Some other tips for making your home more efficient without re-building include wrapping your water heater in the winter and making sure that you are using a shower head that is efficient. Even fixing leaky faucets can have a huge impact.
"The next time you eat out, think about not taking the extra bags and napkins unless you really need them," says Knafo. "It's these little things that we can all do that will begin to make a difference."