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.
Tiles for walls are more than just practical elements of your home interiors—they are design statements that bring both beauty and functionality to your spaces. Have you ever wondered how a simple change in wall tiles can transform an entire room? With endless options in materials, textures, and designs, tiles can enhance any room, from […]
Creating the perfect wardrobe design for your bedroom interiors can feel like a challenging puzzle. After all, this piece of furniture isn’t just for storing clothes – it’s also a defining feature of your room’s style and a key element of organization. It’s not just a practical necessity; it’s also an essential element that contributes […]
Given a marble’s beauty and timelessness, the variety and types of marble are extensive and boundless in the modern world. Different types exhibit different colors, patterns, and textures based on their origin. That being said, selecting the right type and variety that suits your space is crucial to justify the beauty of marble. Regardless of […]
Marble bathroom designs transform your bathroom interiors to a great extent, considering marble’s purity, shine, and grace. With bold veining, rich texture, and different colorations, marble can transform an ordinary bathroom into a different level of refined relaxation. From sleek, minimalistic designs to strong statement pieces, marble suits your styles, rendered to be equally complimentary […]
When you walk into a room, what’s the first thing you notice in the interiors? The furniture, the walls, or the ceiling? Often overlooked, the ceiling plays a significant role in defining the ambiance of a room. If you’re looking to add some flair, sophistication, or a modern touch to your living room, false ceiling […]
As soon as you enter a space, walls define its boundary, volume, style, and experience. Interior wall designs are crucial in determining the mood and aesthetic appeal of an interior space. To create a one-of-a-kind space for occupants and guests, the interplay of interior wall designs and their volume is key. To evoke a feeling […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Do you enjoy keeping games, books, and ornaments in your hallway? This carefully chosen collection of living room storage ideas will complement your interior decor and be suitable for Indian homes. These are chosen from a shortlist of different product designers’ living room storage designs on Archioo. The following living room storage concepts have been […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
Are you worried about the small space left in your kitchen? In parallel kitchen design, the layout divides the kitchen into two parallel counters. Including the parallel kitchen design, the work sequence includes store, wash, prepare, cook, serve, eat, and be followed by clear and wash up. From the sequences, we learn that three appliances […]