The Growing Trend of Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture, in all of its forms, is greatly geared toward energy-efficiency and conservation. Modern buildings are designed to be more self sufficient; less dependent on gas and electricity, by capturing, storing, and even generating energy naturally.

Solar power: Energy from the sun can be used to heat water and air in a building, and also to offset electricity usage.

Solar tube lighting: A glass dome in a rooftop is connected to a reflective tube, leading to a specific room in a building. This design element allows sunlight to naturally illuminate an otherwise darkened area during daylight hours, without the need for electricity. Solar tube lighting is very affordable, and typically adjustable.

Wind turbines: Wind power is an efficient way to harvest natural energy, but requires a location in a consistently high-wind area. Wind power is captured on a large scale, where many wind turbines collect power which is transferred to a separate location. However, a single wind turbine can also be utilized to power a single building.

Earthen flooring: An earthen floor is made of natural materials; sand, clay, straw and rock, often found on the property near the building it is constructed in. Earthen, adobe floors are inexpensive, durable, smooth, and warm, able to store heat from the sun.

Straw bale construction: Straw bales are placed inside the exterior walls of a building, and covered with lime plaster and stucco. This method of building provides superior insulation, energy efficiency and temperature control, and acts as a natural air filtration system, alleviating allergens, with no toxic off-gassing.

Straw bale construction is highly flame resistant, structurally sound, offers superior sound absorption, and is much more resistant to termites and other pests than conventional construction. Straw is an agricultural by-product which can be found locally, lessoning the need for burning fossil fuel, and straw, reducing pollution and waste.

Living roof: A living roof is a cover of soil and vegetation, blanketing a rooftop, creating a habitat for birds and other wildlife. A living roof provides excellent temperature control by cooling a building naturally, reducing the need for air conditioning. The roof is protected from damage caused by sun exposure, and water run-off is greatly reduced.

Recycled wood: Utilizing recycled lumber conserves wood, a dwindling natural resource.

The growing trend of sustainable architecture has given way to a plethora of ultra-creative, energy efficient, healthful innovations, and stunning modern designs, worldwide.