Eco-architecture is an architectural approach that focuses on
the design of energy efficient buildings that take into account the
local climate, surrounding environment, water usage, human
behaviour and long-term sustainability.
The term is often used interchangeably with passive solar
building design, although eco architecture goes one step future by
acknowledging and incorporating the needs and movement of people,
nature and sustainability into building and landscape design.
During the construction phase of a building an eco architect
will use materials that use less embodied energy and chemicals.
This embodied energy involves the careful calculation of the carbon
emission costs associated with the extraction and transportation of
materials, their fabrication and assembly into the building and;
ultimately, the ease and value of their recycling when the
building's life is over
Well designed eco buildings complement the local ecology and can
withstand extreme temperatures and weather fluctuations. They
provide a sense of space where the orientation of the building
maximises the use of natural light and heat emitted from the
sun.
The key principles that architects take into account when
designing eco buildings comprise orientation, ventilation and
insulation. This entails carefully calculating the size and
location of windows, walls, doors and fans to ensure good air flow
and cross ventilation.
People who live and work in eco buildings report healthier
relationships, are less depressed; and have an overall enhanced
sense of personal wellbeing and comfort. These findings are
attributed to efficient room design and layout; effective
ventilation flows; heating and cooling generated via materials that
store and emit thermal mass; and the smart use of natural daylight
which is known to trigger the production of serotonin in people, a
brain chemical that controls mood.
Eco-architecture is inter-disciplinary whereby specialists from
a variety of disciplines work together to ensure buildings,
communities and cities are energy and water efficient and
sustainable. These specialists include architects, engineers, town
planners, landscape architects, hydrologists, thermodynamic
specialists, micro-biologists, physicists, sociologists,
economists, property and land developers and regulators. This
holistic and integrated approach takes advantage of the research,
knowledge and experience collected by these professionals.
Eco-architecture is becoming increasingly popular due to
constant increases in energy and water prices; diminishing supplies
of natural resources; the need to become more sustainable; and the
urgent requirement to change the way we live, work and build
structures which complement innate human, animal and natural
needs.
Author: James Shaw