The world needs to build an extra 2 billion homes over the next 80 years to accommodate the growing population. But with space for these properties sparse and a growing demand to build eco-friendly properties, architects are thinking outside of the box and are increasingly designing and developing properties that meet the needs of the population without hindering the environment.
Repurposing old buildings
Property demolition results in a large amount of waste, which ends up polluting the land and air through inappropriate waste management and transportation. A large amount of pollution is also created during the demolition process, including dust that affects air quality and noise pollution from the tools and machinery used. This is why architects are choosing to rehabilitate and repurpose old buildings instead of knocking them down and starting from scratch. It was recently revealed that the former Immaculata High School building in uptown Chicago is going to be transformed into a 23-story senior living center. The developers plan to restore the building by repairing the roof, refurbishing the windows, and completing masonry work.
Custom builds
There’s a growing trend emerging across the world where budding architects are designing and building their own properties to ensure they’re as eco-friendly as possible. The properties being created are produced using a range of materials, and are emerging in exciting and intriguing shapes. Andrew McColm recently built a tiny house using 20% recycled materials and opted for a curved roof to complete his property. But there’s no need to worry if architecture isn’t your thing, as you can work with a local architect firm to design and create your perfect eco-friendly home. Paradisa Homes explains the operation, stating that the process of constructing a new home or property in collaboration with a team made up of architects, real estate agents, finance experts, designers and project managers can simplify the process. By simply sharing your goal and budget, an expert architect will be able to complete your vision and produce an environmentally-friendly home you’ll be proud of.
Wooden homes
The majority of properties are made from brick, concrete, metal, rock and clay, all of which cause greenhouse emissions during the construction process. But the UN Environment Programme reports that Architects in the G7 will be able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 8% by 2050 by simply constructing properties out of sustainable timber. As a result, timber properties of all shapes and sizes are already popping up all around the world. Last year, Mjøstårnet tower, a 280-foot-tall timber building named Wood Hotel opened up in Brumunddal, Norway. Meanwhile, Canadian wood is being used in India to build homes in as little as 12 hours.
With so much pressure on the world to become greener and kinder to the planet, architecture is moving in a new direction. Buildings are increasingly being built with the environment in mind, meaning sustainable and recyclable materials are being used during the construction process. Meanwhile, other architects are ensuring that existing buildings are put to good use rather than destroyed.