Sustainable architecture aims to minimize environmental impact through site analysis, passive design, material selection, and energy and water management. It creates buildings adapted to the local climate that maximize occupant comfort while integrating natural systems. Examples described include homes that enhance cross ventilation, harvest rainwater, orient openings for daylighting, and connect indoor and outdoor spaces to moderate temperatures. The goal is to design structures and plan communities that preserve natural resources for future generations.

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GREEN HOMES …..process to product
Space Matrix Design Consultants Pvt. Ltd.
22nd Jun’13

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Sustainable living
is a philosophy of modern living based on economy,
technology, environmental preservation and social values without
sacrificing comfort
Source: Soontorn Boonyatikarn et. Al, Bangkok

3. 3Man as a Sustainable being
Hot - Humid
Hot - Dry

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What is SustainableWhat is Sustainable Architecture ?Architecture ?
• Site analysis and development
• Climatological design
• Building form and Orientation
• Passive heating and cooling
• Ventilation and indoor air quality
• Building materials
• Embodied energy
• Thermal performance
• Water management
• Waste management
• Energy management
Sustainable architecture is building design that accounts for all aspects of the building
that will affect and be affected by the environment. It looks at a holistic design approach
based on the following factors:

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With 3.85 billion years of experience the natural world is the only global and reliable guide we have to judge our actions.
Constant 29
Degrees
2 – 45 degrees
- Internal temperature varies by only 1 degree
- The equivalent of a 2km high building
- Breathes similar to a human lung
- Captures natural air flow
- Fire and water resistant
Nature : Mentor, measure, model

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Green Features for Homes
Process…

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Maximise Human Comfort
Efficient Planning
Design for Change
Minimise Running Costs and Energy
Consumption
Maximise Usable Space
Minimise Capital Cost
Minimise Maintenance Costs
Protect and Enhance Ecological Values
Design Objectives

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Master Planning
Secured by Design
Landscape & ecology
Community involvement
Micro-climate
Living Streets
(e.g..Shared surfacing)
Movement & Permeability
Adaptability &
Flexibility
Resource management
[Energy, water ]
Place making
Waste management

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Structures
Buildability Structural Efficiency
Embodied Impacts
Maintainability
Prefabrication
Adaptability/Flexibility
Precision Engineering
Waste Management

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Materials Resource
Strategy
Re-use building components Recycled materials
Responsible wood
suppliers
Low embodied energy
The site as the
source/local materials
Longer product life
Reduce quantity of materials used
Waste management during
construction & operation

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Green Features for Homes
Process…

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Site Efficiency
• Site should be near public transit and household services and
accessible by pedestrian pathways.
• Design to have minimal footprint – compact design and stacking floor
plans. Retain natural landscape and trees, minimize hard paving on
site.
• Design common areas for social activities within the site.
• Reduce heat island effect by providing covered parking or basement
parking.

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Water Efficiency
• Rainwater harvesting – Employ techniques to capture rainwater and
filter it through screens or paper filters.
• Minimize indoor water usage by installing water efficient plumbing
fixtures.
• Limit the use of turf throughout the site. Instead, select species that
are well-adapted to the micro-climate.Also, consider xeriscaping as an
approach to landscaping.
•Provide efficient irrigation techniques such as central shut-off valve,
sub meters, moisture sensor controller etc.
• Provide on-site grey water treatment system. Treat it to standards
suitable for flushing and irrigation purposes.

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Energy Efficiency
• Adapt energy efficient design – building orientation to be such that
the longer axis is in the N-S direction. Minimize E-W exposure. This
will take advantage of natural daylight and air movement. Provide
shading devices over windows along the S and W facades. Use
Low-e double glazing to reduce heat gain.
• Use energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling equipment.
• Provide solar water heating system to satisfy hot water
requirement.
• Energy Efficient Lighting Systems – In the interiors and exteriors
use efficient fittings such as CFLs, T5 lamps, light emitting diodes
etc.

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Energy Efficiency

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Materials
• Specify products that contain recycled content such as fly
ash blocks, glass, steel, cement, tiles, aluminum and
composite wood.
• Use rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo,
agrifiber, linoleum, wool, cotton insulation.
• Use locally manufactured materials.
• Encourage the use of salvaged materials and products
such as flooring, paneling, doors, frames, furniture, brick,
etc.

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Indoor Air Quality
• Ensure connectivity between the interior and exterior by
providing good day lighting and views. Orient the buildings
such that max. day lighting to all spaces is achieved for most
part of the day.
• Have adequate window openings that will allow for cross
ventilation.
• Materials like paints and adhesives should have low
emissions.

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Green Features for Homes
Product…

19. 19Chowtara Mane, Mangalore :
• Large voids & courtyards to enhance ventilation
• Pool – water body for evaporative cooling
• Rain water harvesting
•Orientation to cut down heat

20. 20Residence for Rashmi Hedge, Bangalore:
• Extensive internal landscape
• Varying volume within the house – helps to moderate the
internal temperature
•Skylight for natural light
•Large overhangs and recessed outdoor spaces

21. 21Dhunjibhoy Farmhouse :
• Layering and scaling of the built form.
• Central axis was used to penetrate all these layers
connecting the outside to the inside
• Deep verandah act as an interface between the outdoor
and the indoor.
• Mud plastered verandahs to maintain a continuity from
the outdoor to the indoor

22. 22Praful Pillai Residence :
• House is designed around the pattern of the land
• Minimalist house accommodating the existing trees
• Slight shift in the wall angle of the living room brings in
dispersed light
•Split level within the house cleverly transforms the volume
into floor space

23. 23Ashok Shetty’s Residence :
• Indoor – outdoor connect
• Large openings, maximising human comfort
• Designed to retain large outdoor areas.

24. 24Srinivasan’s Residence :
• Indoor – outdoor connect
• Soft light, maximising human comfort
• Beer bottles used as wall features

25. 25Dr.Rekha Residence :
• Material Juxtaposition
• Interplay of landscape indoor and outdoor
•Continuity of space

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Need based Appropriate Architecture
• To preserve heritage of our PAST
• Continuity with our past in our PRESENT
• Conserving energy for our FUTURE

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“What good is a house,
if you haven't got a decent planet to put it on?”
- Henry David Thoreau