Juxtaposed towards the Rajasthan skies is a wonderful farmhouse within the Bhilwara area. Initially envisioned as a mud construction, the constructing was designed by architect Shreya Srivastava, who determined to wield the area’s abundance of native stone to her benefit. As you possibly can see, its pastel palette enhances the encompassing earthiness.
This wasn’t the primary time ‘Studio Shunya’ — a agency specializing in zero-energy constructing designs — defied conference. Shreya factors to how there isn’t a dearth of supplies to problem oneself with while you set out with a sustainable imaginative and prescient.
Is it time to get rid of fossilised mindsets that after put cement on a pedestal? We showcase some initiatives that piqued our curiosity.
1. Stone
Shreya managed to crack the code for preserving the farmhouse cool regardless of the scorching Rajasthan solar. The reply lay in stone. “Stone partitions have excessive thermal mass, that means they will take in, retailer, and slowly launch warmth. This property helps in sustaining a steady indoor temperature, lowering heating and cooling prices,” Shreya explains.
You’ll see the farmhouse is a reasonably place, hugged by a cool breeze. The supply of air flow lies within the openings across the residing space, eating, kitchen, research, and 4 rooms.
As you progress by means of the property, it turns into evident that sustainability progressively will increase within the particulars. Take, as an illustration, the Bijolia stone eave that runs alongside the outside of the home. “That is supported by refurbished stone brackets taken from a home which was being demolished across the website,” Shreya shares.
In regards to the materials: Other than being a sturdy materials, stone can be cost-effective. “Its native availability eliminates transportation prices,” Shreya says, including that the fabric’s tensile power made cement and reinforcement bars pointless. Moreover, stone’s insulation properties make it a superb match for buildings.
Architects, take notes: Whereas lauding it for its perks, Shreya urges architects to chorus from excavating the stone. As an alternative, she says, superficial stone makes for a superb wager. One other factor to remember is the fabric’s thermal mass. “It must be assessed in relation to the warmth and depth of the solar within the space.”
2. Glued laminated timber
Underscoring how the unfavourable influence of architecture-induced carbon emissions can not be outrun, architect Akshat Bhatt of Structure Self-discipline urges architects to show their gaze towards greener choices.
He acknowledges why concrete has been a cult favorite — you possibly can’t ignore its power, sturdiness, and cost-effectiveness — however says glued laminated timber (engineered wooden made by glueing a number of layers of dimensioned timber) is an equally good substitute.
Akshat shares that glulam, a member of the mass timber household, can retailer atmospheric carbon dioxide, making it “a viable carbon-neutral different”. These results are telling in The Timber Residence in Vagator, Goa — considered one of India’s first residences constructed utilizing glulam.
In regards to the materials: “In comparison with supplies like concrete and metal, which launch carbon throughout their manufacturing, mass timber sequesters it, making the fabric carbon-negative and a sustainable different,” Akshat factors out.
Moreover, architects can render hearth and moisture-resistant properties to the fabric by treating it. Akshat has at all times admired glulam’s versatility; being prefabricated, it permits swift meeting. Houses that draw back from maximalism, whereas not desirous to compromise on aesthetics, might give glulam a strive.
In truth, not simply concrete, it might properly substitute metal too. A research reported that glulam “has a smaller tendency to lateral torsional buckling than metal beams and that they are often cheaper and are the extra environmentally pleasant possibility”.
Architects, take notes: Architects should take note of the moral ramifications of sourcing timber — procuring it from sustainably managed forests. Glulam that isn’t handled could be vulnerable to moisture, so the local weather of the realm must be factored in.
3. Lime
What if your private home might heal itself? We’re referring to the cracks within the partitions. Enter lime, channelled into many initiatives by Tamil Nadu-based Bhutha Earthen Structure Studio. Whereas their properties shoulder a comeback of some of the common constructing supplies, architect Vinoth Kumar causes that the fabric’s qualities make it a superb match.
It permits moisture to flee, stopping dampness and mold from settling in, he says. “Moreover, lime is environmentally pleasant, requiring much less vitality to supply and absorbing carbon dioxide throughout its life cycle,” Vinoth explains.
In regards to the materials: Reasoning how historic buildings constructed with lime mortar have stood the take a look at of time — thus proving their sturdiness — Vinoth says it is a working example of the materials’s resistance to climate and erosion. He provides, “As well as, the carbonation course of concerned within the solidification of the lime helps sequester carbon and scale back local weather change.”
Architects, take notes: Whereas lime is flexible to work with, Vinoth says architects ought to comprehend its sorts, properties, and applicable functions. “Materials sourcing, high quality assurance, and the event of expert labour are paramount.” He provides that design issues ought to prioritise breathability, air flow, and long-term upkeep.
4. Moss partitions
Have you ever ever thought of moss as a constructing materials? Architects Mitu Mathur and Shriya Diwan of GPM Architects and Planners heroed it in considered one of their initiatives, in step with their imaginative and prescient for a extra natural structure.
In regards to the materials: The architects say the fabric combines low upkeep and sustainability, bringing a biophilic contact to interiors. The ‘partitions’, they add, require no watering or daylight. “They’re customisable and eco-friendly, providing practical and aesthetic advantages perfect for contemporary inside areas.” One of many greatest boons is their acoustic properties.
Mitu factors out, “Moss partitions take in sound and scale back noise reverberation, creating quieter and extra comfy indoor environments. They’re notably efficient in open-plan workplaces the place sound management is a precedence.”
One other perk is that these ‘partitions’ double up as air purifiers, eradicating dangerous VOCs (unstable natural compounds) from the ambient air whereas releasing recent, pure oxygen. “In addition they assist stabilise indoor humidity ranges, sustaining a balanced microclimate. This creates a more healthy setting, particularly in workplace areas with techniques that may dry out the air,” Mitu shares.
Architects, take notes: Owing to their sound absorption advantages, Mitu says moss partitions ought to be put in strategically as a substitute of nearly anyplace. To maximise the sound absorption impact, she says architects might use a cloth behind the moss or go for thicker layers of moss. “Additionally, keep away from extreme direct daylight, as it will possibly fade or dry out moss. Use synthetic lighting strategically to forestall these results,” Mitu shares.
Edited by Khushi Arora
Sources
Glued laminated timber and metal beams: A comparative research of structural design, financial and environmental penalties, Revealed within the Journal of Engineering Design and Know-how in Might 2018.
A comparative research between glulam and concrete columns in view of design, financial system and setting, Revealed in Case Research in Development Supplies in June 2022.
Self-healing of lime primarily based mortars: Microscopy observations on case research, Revealed in January 2011.
Positive mud assortment capability of a moss greening system for the constructing envelope: An experimental strategy, Revealed in Constructing and Setting on 1 January 2025.
Enchancment in hearth resistance of glulam beams containing modified laminae by thermal therapy, inorganic impregnation and compression within the fire-side pressure zone, Revealed in Development and Constructing Supplies on 16 February 2024.
Conventional Homes with Stone Partitions in Temperate Climates: The Impression of Varied Insulation Methods, Revealed in March 2012.
