As the effects of climate change and dwindling resources become more apparent, more and more architects are looking for ways to design more sustainable Commercial Buildings. This is not limited to residential buildings, either.
Driven by the need for the protection of vital resources, new commercial developments are blazing the sustainability trail too. Do you want to do your part, and master the art of sustainable commercial building design? Here are our top 5 tips for designing sustainable commercial buildings.
Sustainability in construction has become so crucial, that many countries have systems in place to ensure sustainable building design and development.
In Australia, the National Construction Code (NCC) sets out these requirements in section J. This means that all commercial buildings need a Section J report. What are the Section J Requirements? There are specific standards to meet for insulation, heating, ventilation, and water.
In the US, the Department of Energy (DOE) engages with government and construction industry stakeholders and provides assistance and support for sustainable developments. Their International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 901 are the US versions of Section J.
In the UK, it’s the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Various European countries have their own requirements. Therefore you must determine the energy efficiency requirements of the country where you are designing the commercial building.
Renewable energies do not get depleted, but rather replenish themselves over time. Stay up to date with the latest renewable energy trends, and try to include at least one in your project, where possible.
We may still be a way off from the widespread adoption of the Eco-City model, but one thing is certain. These developments will rely heavily on renewable energy systems for both residential and commercial buildings.
Wind, solar, hydro (water-powered), and even geothermal energy sources provide renewable and, therefore, sustainable energy in various places across the world. They have a lower carbon footprint than conventional energy sources and are thus kinder to the planet.
Some of these are limited to smaller towns and private homes. But as they become more widely available, and cities adopt the infrastructure to support them, this will change. There is already a demand for them in commercial buildings.
Incorporating natural lighting into architecture is not a new concept. This practice dates to ancient times, including the dome of the Pantheon in Rome. Natural light is also used to great effect in more modern establishments, including London’s Tate Modern Museum and Hong Kong’s Wah Fu Estate.
While the earlier uses of natural light were not centered around sustainability, but rather ambiance and aesthetics, there is no denying the importance of sustainability. Maximize the natural lighting, and you will reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Natural light is free and abundant, and therefore sustainable. Orient the building so that the interior receives the maximum amount of light at sunrise and sunset. Incorporate larger windows and glass areas to let the light in. Consider rooftop skylights for even more natural lighting.
Natural ventilation relies on passive forces of ventilation, like the wind and ambient air, without the aid of mechanical systems. More than just a means of supplying air, natural ventilation also offers cooling and improved air quality over more artificial air conditioning systems.
There’s been great success with combining the available natural lighting and natural ventilation in residential buildings. This is becoming a trend in commercial buildings, too, but it requires an in-depth knowledge of how the wind and air pressure work.
The way the wind moves around a building creates air pressure differences that can be used for ventilation. Stack, or buoyancy-effect ventilation, relies on the natural trend of warm air to rise. This will determine where to place vents for air intake and release.
However, you can utilize natural ventilation by several means, such as your building’s size, shape, and orientation. Window placement and size play a big role too. To make the most of natural ventilation, you need to familiarize yourself with the most common weather conditions on-site.
When the subject of using recyclables comes up, the most common objections revolve around durability, compatibility, and availability. As recycling becomes more mainstream, these problems are becoming less of a hindrance.
While there are certainly still a few challenges, there are also many great benefits to using recycled materials in construction. The use of recycled materials is more in line with sustainable building practices than the use of raw materials.
You may want to include recycled and repurposed materials in your commercial building designs. However, before you do, conduct a life cycle assessment to determine their potential durability and longevity.
Repurposed or recycled materials may need more regular replacement or maintenance, and this does not bode well for sustainability. This is one of the main areas of concern in their use for commercial buildings. They may be better put to use for interiors like office flooring or retail space partitions.
Modular homes, sometimes known as prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction, is a growing phenomenon. As per data published on Reuters, there was 7% increase in the adoption of this forward looking project in 2023. But before going even deeper into designs, what exactly is a modular home? Modular Home Definition A modular home is a type […]
The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
Wall Moulding Design is a great way to amp up your space and elevate the overall look of your home. There are a wide range of moulding designs that can add a distinct character to your space. Wall moulding design comes from different kinds of materials, such as PVC, plaster, wood, etc. The right choice […]
Street furniture, an integral facet of urban planning, encompasses a diverse array of elements strategically positioned to enhance the functionality, aesthetics, and overall experience of public spaces. From classic benches and street lamps to innovative public art installations and interactive chess tables, street furniture contributes to the unique character of cities worldwide. These thoughtfully placed […]
Anthropometry in architecture is the study of human body measurements and proportions to design and layout spaces, furniture, and other elements. It is important to create environments that are comfortable, functional, and cater to the needs of occupants. Anthropometry in architecture considers cultural differences in body size and shape, ensuring diverse backgrounds and characteristics are […]
Gate Design is an important feature of any home. Numerous scopes for experimentation open up when delving into the design possibilities. Materials like wood and black steel are popular options in Indian homes. At the same time, designers also experiment with a combination of materials that suits their aesthetic. Buying mass-produced Sydney automated gates has […]