Site, Structure and its Surroundings | Principles of Green Architecture

Site and its Surroundings | Siting and Structure Design Efficiency

“Site and its Surroundings” is one of the seven principles of Green Building Architecture. In our earlier articles, we discussed about Sustainable Development.

Here are the seven Principles of Green Architecture:

  1. Site and its surroundings
  2. Energy Efficiency
  3. Water Efficiency
  4. Material Efficiency
  5. Indoor Air Quality
  6. Waste Reduction
  7. Low maintenance costs

The Green Principle “Site and its Surroundings” deals with it. We can relate them and try to understand the essence of this whole principle.

Site and its Surroundings
Site and its Surroundings

For a better understanding and study of the concept, we can divide the principle into three parts:

  1. Selection of a suitable site
  2. Site Analysis
  3. Site Development

Selection of a suitable site

Selection of a site depends on the type and the size of the Project. Our aim is to reduce the consumption of energy resources and still create an efficient structure.

Site selection is mainly based on two factors:

  1. Factors concerning “the before construction of the project”
  2. Factors concerning “the after construction of the structure” (after use efficiency)

Read more

Principles of Green Architecture and Sustainability

Green Buildings and Infrastructure

“Green Buildings for creating a Green environment” is what I would say. Generally, the term “Green Buildings” is understood in a wrong way. As in, the people have a wrong understanding about the term “Green Buildings”. Green Buildings does not just imply on creating huge lawns and making the building look green in colour.

 

CII, Hyderabad (Example of a Green Building in India)
CII, Hyderabad (Example of a Green Building in India)

It is all about making the environment green and create a healthy atmosphere inside the living space which also has an impact on the outside surroundings.

Vegetation, Landscaping is definitely a part of Green Building Design but that is not all which would make the building green.

In this article, we are going to discuss the goals of Green Buildings or rather I should say the “Principles of Green Buildings”.

If we are successful in achieving these principles, we will definitely be able to successfully design not just “A green Building” but also create a Green environment.

Earlier we discussed, various Passive and Active features of Green Building Design. Passive Features form an indispensible part of Green Building Design. That is the most primary and important step to be achieved in order to create a sustainable and Green environment.

Read more

Water Efficiency | Principles of Green Architecture

Necessity for Water Efficiency

Water Efficiency is one of the seven key principles of Green Architecture. All of us are pretty much aware of the water shortage across the globe. The climatic changes have reduced the extent of rainfall in many parts of the world. The climatic changes are reaching their extremes. There are either droughts or floods but not proper rainfall.

Water efficiency
Water efficiency

Study of Global Warming and Climate change also forms the part of the study of Green Architecture. It helps you understand the gravity of the consequences that the world is facing already because of the human activities today. Why creation of sustainable environment is so important?

In our previous articles regarding “Principles of Green Architecture”, we have listed seven important principles of Green Architecture. They are as follows:

  1. Site and its surroundings
  2. Energy Efficiency
  3. Water Efficiency
  4. Material Efficiency
  5. Indoor Air Quality
  6. Waste Reduction
  7. Low maintenance costs

There are two key objectives to be analysed when studying water efficiency:

  1. Reduction in Water consumption
  2. Preserving the quality of water

Achieving these two key objectives is the second ultimate goal of Green Architecture…

Read more

Site Analysis and Development | Principles of Green Architecture

Site Analysis and Site Development | Siting and Structure Design Efficiency

Site Analysis is followed by Site Development. Site Development can be efficient only if the Site Analysis is done correctly and accurately.

In our earlier article, we discussed the first part of “The Siting and Structure Design Efficiency” that is “Selection of a suitable site“. In this article, we will discuss how Site Analysis and Site Development (in other words “Site planning“) help in achieving the goal for a sustainable environment.

Site in Pochampalli
Site in Pochampalli

Site Analysis

Once we are done with the selection of the Building site, get the entire survey of the site. The topography of the site and the natural features present on the site are to be studied.

A better and efficient way of utilizing the site’s natural elements have to be figured out.

For examples, the existing landscaping which would include tall or shady trees or bushes can be efficiently merged with the building design to serve a purpose.

Read more